Bath FoE Local Election Candidates Questions, May 2007

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Candidates for the Bath and North East Somerset Local Elections were asked the following six questions.

Click here to see the candidates responses to the questions.

1) In 1995, Bath City Council committed to a 30% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions due to energy and transport use in Bath within 10 years. This target was largely forgotten about by the Council. Which of the following best represents your viewpoint:

a) There is no need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
b) Carbon dioxide emissions reductions are desirable, but can’t take priority over economic needs.
c) B&NES should do what it can to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but not set specific targets.
d) B&NES should make a new commitment to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 30% within ten years.
e) B&NES should make a new commitment to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 30% within ten years, produce a plan that details how it will be achieved, and set aside funding to do it

2) B&NES is committed to a zero waste policy. Which of the following best represents your viewpoint:

a) I don’t understand the concept: surely we can’t eliminate all waste?
b) Zero waste is an unrealistic goal: it serves as a sound-bite but has little substance.
c) Zero waste is a worthy aim. Faced with landfill tax increases, however, we can’t rule out any residual waste solution, including incineration.
d) Zero waste is an achievable aim, but incineration should play no part in it.

3) The Government has put forward a policy objective that by 2015 all new homes should be carbon-neutral. Which the following best represents your viewpoint:

a) The notion of carbon-neutral is not achievable; we would do better to get realistic building standards.
b) Carbon-neutral home building should be part of our developing local development framework.
c) The Council should make it easier for people to get planning permission to add renewable energy and energy saving systems to their home, wherever they are in B&NES.
d) In addition to carbon-neutral new housing, the Council should require that all renovation work includes as many energy saving and renewable energy features as possible.

4) Congestion and pollution caused by the school run points out many of the problems that beset Bath regarding its transport policy. Which of the following best represents your viewpoint:

a) The ability to attend any school in Bath is an essential parental right; high bus fares make it impossible for larger families not to use their car.
b) The pollution levels on the London Road drop drastically at holiday times. A significantly lower, flat rate bus fare for children should be established.
c) First Bus is a profit making business, exhibiting very little public service ethos. We should adopt and seek funding for a free and safer system like the American yellow buses.

5) Planning permission to expand Bristol Airport to three times its current usage is being sought. Which of the following best represents your viewpoint:

a) This expansion of Bristol Airport is necessary to maintain a robust regional economy.
b) A more modest expansion of Bristol Airport may be necessary to compete with other airports.
c) There should be no expansion at Bristol Airport.
d) Faced with climate change and the end of cheap fossil fuels, Bristol Airport should now be making plans for gradual reductions in passenger numbers.

6) Bath Friends of the Earth has campaigned to get green space in the city centre enlarged from its current 4% to a minimum of 8%. Which of the following best represents your viewpoint:

a) Pressure on space in Bath – from both retail needs and housing needs – make extra green space unrealistic and uneconomic.
b) Redevelopment being planned will open up adequate possible venues for new green spaces.
c) We should create a plan and allocate funding for specific new green sites including opening up the river to public access.