COUNCILLORS have voted against joining a national group committed to using 100 per cent clean energy by 2050.

Cllr Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council’s Labour opposition, had submitted a motion calling on CEC to sign up to the UK100 agreement.

But at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, members unanimously voted for the council to develop its own energy strategy instead, which will be presented to the cabinet in November.

Ahead of the vote, Cllr Corcoran said: “Climate change is the greatest challenge facing our generation.

“Cheshire is renowned as a green county with beautiful countryside. We should promote that vision and promote Cheshire East as a place where the green economy can thrive.

“I welcome the idea of preparing an energy strategy and I look forward to reading it in November, but the recommendation falls short of what I have asked for.”

The UK100 is a commitment for local authorities to use 70 per cent of energy from renewable sources such as wind, water and solar energy, with the remaining 30 per cent coming from low CO2 forms of energy production, by 2050.

A report issued ahead of the meeting recommended not signing up the commitment, which would cover ‘all aspects of our service provision’ and have ‘impacts beyond the authority’.

Instead, the proposed energy strategy will build on current policies and explore how to reduce emissions, promote sustainable transport methods, and develop or invest in renewable energy facilities.

Cllr Ainsley Arnold, cabinet member for housing, planning and regeneration, said: “The notice of motion is consistent with the policies that the council already has in place – policies which seek to support energy reduction.

“However, as the concept of clean growth is complex, the recommendation is that we do not sign up to the UK100 at this time – but that we create a CEC energy strategy which builds on the CEC energy framework.”

A total of 78 councils have so far signed up to the UK100 – including Cheshire West and Chester, Warrington and Halton.

Cllr Steven Hogben, Labour member for Crewe South, told the cabinet he was ‘disappointed that CEC is so hesitant’ to ‘join our colleagues in those other councils’.