New leadership for environment and climate work

We’re pleased to welcome Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts and Cllr Steve Ashton as the new Lead and Associate Lead Members for Communities, Environment and Climate Change.

Cllr Smith-Roberts takes on the role of Lead Member, overseeing services that support local communities, protect Somerset’s natural environment and drive action on climate change. The portfolio includes essential services such as waste and recycling, community resilience, and work to help the county respond to the climate and ecological emergency.

This work is central to our ambition to create a greener, more sustainable county. It depends on close collaboration with residents, communities, businesses and partners to tackle environmental challenges and support nature recovery.

Cllr Steve Ashton joins as Associate Lead Member, supporting this work and helping to strengthen engagement with communities across Somerset.

Together, they’ll help shape services and initiatives that improve quality of life for residents, while ensuring Somerset continues to take action on climate change and environmental protection.

We wish them both every success in their new roles and look forward to the positive impact of their leadership across our communities and environment.