Councillors have passed a motion urging St Albans and Harpenden's MPs to challenge the government on a number of key issues.

At the first full meeting of St Albans City and District Council since the recent General Election, councillors took the opportunity to welcome the district's new and returning MPs to their roles - and make their priorities clear.

A motion tabled by Cllr Raj Visram and Cllr Giles Fry called for the newly elected Labour government to clarify its planning policy as St Albans residents and politicians wait anxiously to see if new housing targets will have an impact on the upcoming Local Plan.

Councillors have called for more social housing in St Albans, something they believe is key to reducing homelessness.

On the climate crisis, they urged Daisy Cooper and Victoria Collins to push for a new clean energy programme that will help the council to achieve its targets.

The motion, which passed with strong support, also highlighted the difficulties facing councils, saying that cuts to local government from Westminster are having a detrimental impact on communities, with the most vulnerable people being the victim of cost-cutting measures.

Cllr Visram said: "I am incredibly pleased that this motion has been passed. Firm and immediate action is needed to protect our climate.

"That’s why we have called on our local representatives to demand a clean energy and insulation programme that decarbonises the power system and enables local councils to reach their 2030 targets.

‘‘Sadly, the legacy of the Conservatives’ broken top-down housing targets has been continued by this new Labour Government.

"We tabled this motion to support Daisy and Victoria in holding the Government to account and in safeguarding our local green spaces."

The next full council meeting is set for Wednesday, October 16.