Ask Your May 2022 Candidates!


Questions for May 2022 Local Election Candidates

With local elections on 5 May, candidates will likely be stepping out in your local area to share their plans. It’s important that all those standing to represent your area share your concerns and will take climate action seriously.

We’ve created some questions to get you started when candidates come knocking. You could also put these questions to candidates via social media.

More information on each issue has been included via links within each question.

5 May Elections in Cambridgeshire


Will you make action on climate and ecology a deal-breaker in how you use your council vote?

It's unproductive if candidates say they support the declaration of a climate and ecological emergency, but then vote in favour of damaging policies. Ask them how they'd plan to support a variety of issues.

  • Do they believe that climate change implications should be considered in all council decision making and spending?

  • Will they insist that all council officers and councillors undertake carbon literacy training?

  • Will they advocate for frequent and accurate carbon audits in council operations?

  • Do they support strengthening their council’s climate action plan?

  • Will they seek to protect existing ecology, rather than “doubling nature” in a new location?

  • Do they plan to oppose development on greenbelt land?

  • Do they define “growth” to include improvements to resident health and the environment?

  • What ideas do they have to help your region/town/parish decarbonise?


Do you realise how quickly we need to take action?


If elected, how will you improve public transport, improve safe provision for cycling, reduce dependency on cars, and improve our air quality?

  • Do they support making local transport cheaper, greener and more frequent?

  • Will they prioritise infrastructure for pedestrians?

  • Will they advocate for increased and improved cycle routes as well as more cycle racks in town centres?

  • Will they support the upkeep of our current roads, but no new road building programmes?

  • Do they believe Park & Ride schemes will truly address Cambridge’s public transport problems?


Do you support the Ox-Cam Arc development scheme, creating 1 million new homes?

  • How will our local environment, ecology and water supply cope?

  • Will you propose and support a local planning requirement for new housing to be zero carbon?

  • What will you do to contain water use as the East of England becomes ever more water stressed?


The Combined Authority’s Independant Climate Commission has issued recommendations for our region. Are you familiar with the recommendations? How will you encourage your council to implement them?

  • The Commission’s report emphasises the importance of public involvement in nature and climate initiatives. If elected, how would the candidate involve you and your community?

  • Will they advocate for all council purchasing to be compatible with delivering net zero carbon and climate resilience?

  • Are they in favour of developing a local area energy plan?

  • Will they engage with local businesses to encourage a net-zero transition?

  • Will they insist that their district/town/parish council support the Combined Authority’s climate ambitions and participate in cross-county programmes to reduce carbon emissions?


Location specific issues: