Norfolk County Council's leader Cllr David Bick has confirmed that achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030 is no longer the administration's goal, abandoning a target previously listed in the council's own Corporate Risk Register as a strategic objective.

In response to a question from Cllr Daniel Elmer at the 3 August Cabinet meeting, Cllr Bick said simply: "No. This matter remains under detailed review."

The council launched a review of all net zero activity in May, with the stated intention of identifying potential savings. Cllr Elmer pressed the Cabinet for details on expected savings and whether the full findings would be published. The response confirmed the review is ongoing and that results will be reported in full to Cabinet on completion, but declined to speculate on outcomes or savings in advance.

The move marks a significant shift in the council's environmental policy. The council's Corporate Risk Register had previously identified net zero by 2030 as a strategic objective under reference RM036.

When asked separately by Cllr Jan Davis whether he recognised the legal requirement under the Climate Change Act 2008 to reduce carbon emissions, Cllr Bick said the council would comply with the law where required, but described the Act as "the product of another in a long line of failed Labour Governments".

The council did point to existing environmental activity in response to other questions, including its Environment Policy and Strategy 2026, the rollout of 100 zero-emission buses across Norfolk, and over 2.5 million journeys made on Beryl bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters in Norwich.

No date has been set for the review's conclusion or for when Cabinet will receive its findings.