Liberal Democrats will deliver a greener, fairer, more caring Essex County Council Greener Essex Declare a Climate Change and Ecological Emergency at the first meeting of the new Council. Implement all the recommendations of the ECC's Climate Change Commission, apply for government grants to retrofit all council-owned buildings to meet carbon-neutral standards, install solar panels on its buildings and reprofile the Highways budget to better fund sustainable travel modes. Preserve public green and open spaces. Implement ambitious tree planting strategies. Reduce the amount of waste going to landfill with incentives to increase recycling rates to 60% and stop further closures of the recycling centres. Ambitious schemes for improved cycling and walking in inner urban areas. Introduce '20 is plenty' speed limits near schools and in residential areas to help make walking and cycling safer, and improve air quality. Fairer Essex Improving prospects for young people Reverse cuts to the Youth Service budget, in particular for outreach workers. Identify and support families who need additional support to cut child poverty and hunger. Provide free school meals in term-time and holidays. More school places to cut down bussing pupils to already overcrowded schools. Support to struggling schools. Swimming concessions for the under 16's. Introduce concessionary transport fares for those on Universal Credit, or equivalents, and undertaking Apprenticeships. Freeze car park charges in ECC Country Parks Protect libraries: no further closures or cuts to opening hours More caring Essex Better care for the elderly. Protect concessionary transport fares for pensioners. Support carers, especially children who are caring for parents. Address mental health concerns, promoting access to regular exercise, employment opportunities, and days out.