Climate Change
Ribble Valley Borough Council Climate Emergency Declaration
Ribble Valley Borough Council recognises that we are in a state of Climate Emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including by local councils.
The council has made some progress on the issue of climate change through its Climate Change Strategy and subsequent action plans but in declaring a Climate Emergency the council commits to accelerate, widen and deepen its actions by working with all sections of the community. A motion passed at council on 14 October 2025 stated that the council will set targets and develop resources to both enable carbon neutrality across the full range of council activities by 2030 and also to support making the Borough of Ribble Valley carbon neutral by 2050.
It is recognised however that the Council does have finite resources and it needs to work within financial constraints, whilst delivering a wide range of statutory and non-statutory services.
Funds to Help Low-Income Households and First-Time Buyers Beat the Cold
The first-time buyer grant offers new homeowners up to £15,000 to renovate their property and make it more energy efficient.
Further details on both grants
Carbon-busting Tree Scheme Takes Root at Clitheroe Castle
Fifty carbon-busting Redwood trees are being planted to commemorate Ribble Valley Borough Council’s 50th anniversary. The RVBC50 ‘redwood lungs’ are expected to bust the entire lifetime’s carbon footprint of around 50 residents.
Read More About Redwood Plantings
EV Charging Points
So far the council has installed 22 Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points in council-owned car parks. Across the borough. Using £50,000 of funding to install charging points on four rural car parks.
Ribble Valley Car Parks
Environmental Health Electric Vehicles
Green Fleet - the Council is also switching to electric vehicles where practical. Vans used by the pest control and dog warden teams have been switched from diesel to clean electric – saving money and helping to reduce pollution.
Contact a Dog WardenBins, Waste and Recycling
Recycling Food Waste
From 2026, as part of the Government's national recycling scheme, the council has to provide a weekly food waste collection service to all residents that want it.
Households will be provided with two free plastic caddies to store food leftovers in. The collected waste will be taken to a specialist waste recycling centre in Farrington, near Preston, where it will used to generate electricity.
Council Car Park Electric Vehicle Charging Points
LCC has been pre-allocated £10.1m from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund to enhance the presence of on-street low-powered charge points in residential areas. This initiative aims to accelerate the commercialisation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVC) throughout the Lancashire-12 districts.
Energy Efficiency Resources
Council Grants
Throughout the year the council runs different grant schemes offering support to community projects.
Cosy Homes in Lancashire
Cosy Homes in Lancashire, a council-supported initiative making homes cosy and energy efficient with free grants, advice, resources and community events.
Hyndburn Homewise
Designated Home Improvement Agency in the Ribble Valley.
Contact 01254 232249 or www.homewiseonline.org
Winter Fuel Payment
https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
The Warm Home Discount Scheme
https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme .
This scheme is likely to end so we advise you apply now!
Benefits and financial support if you're on a low income
Help with heating, housing and other living costs. Includes Universal Credit.
https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/low-income
Find ways to save energy in your home
The government's Simple Energy Advice website has information on how to reduce your bills and make your home more energy efficient. You can also call the Simple Energy Advice helpline on 0800 444 202.
Energy saving tips!
These energy saving tips from British Gas and energy saving advice from Electricity North West can help you to reduce how much energy you use, and save you money.
Greener News
Useful Links
- Clitheroe Repair Café
- Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
- East Lancs Chamber of Commerce – Chamber Low Carbon
- Energy Saving Trust
- Environment Agency
- Forestry Commission
- Friends of the Earth
- Heidelberg Materials - Sustainability
- Lancashire Climate Action Network (LancsCAN)
- Lancashire Nature Recovery Strategy 2025
More Useful Links
- Little Green Bus
- Longridge Environment Group (LEG)
- Readstone Environment Group (REG)
- Ribble Rivers Trust
- Ribble Valley Climate Action Network (RVCAN)
- The Countryside Charity - Lancashire, Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester (CPRE)
- WWF – Carbon Footprint calculator
- The Wildlife Trusts
- Woodland Trust