William Eichler 03 May 2023

Councils face ‘Kafkaesque’ barriers to net zero

Councils face ‘Kafkaesque’ barriers to net zero image
Image: Shark9208888 / Shutterstock.com.

Local authorities face ‘Kafkaesque’ barriers to achieving net zero goals, a new report backed by the Government’s net zero tsar Chris Skidmore MP has concluded.

Published today by the campaign group UK100, the report says that many councils are still waiting for the Government to provide the resources and powers needed to reduce carbon emissions.

It says local authorities face ‘counterintuitive’ planning rules on housing and onshore wind, and business case rules that prioritise increased traffic flows over air quality and decarbonisation.

The study calls for a new Net Zero Local Powers Bill and Net Zero Delivery Framework, overseen by a Net Zero Delivery Unit.

UK100 argues this new bill would unlock £137bn in savings on investments needed to reach net zero. According to the network’s calculations, a top-down national approach to achieving net zero requires £195bn of investment whereas a local-first approach needs £58bn.

Net zero tsar Chris Skidmore MP, the former energy minister who signed net zero into law, welcomed the ‘comprehensive’ report, stating that it ‘outlines a situation where the local powers to achieve net zero are theoretical rather than actual.’

Mr Skidmore's endorsement comes as he announces UK100's appointment to his newly established Local Mission Zero Network, co-chaired with Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen.

Commenting on the recommendations, Christopher Hammond, membership & insights director at UK100 and former leader of Southampton Council, emphasises the importance of local action in achieving net zero.

‘Local-led action is the fastest, most cost-effective route to net zero. Councils can influence over 82% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions and have direct relationships with the communities, residents, and businesses who will be affected by the transition.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Executive Director – Adult Social Care, Health & Wellbeing

Sefton Borough Council
£131,208 (Hay 1)
Lead with Purpose. Build on Excellence. Shape the Future of Health and Wellbeing in Sefton. Sefton (Metropolitan borough), Merseyside
Recuriter: Sefton Borough Council

Strategic Finance Business Partners (five roles)

Nottingham City Council
up to £80k
Nottingham is a bold, vibrant, and exciting Core City at the heart of the UK, alive with potential and ambition. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Director of Finance (Strategy) – deputy S151

Nottingham City Council
up to £125k
Nottingham is a bold, vibrant, and exciting Core City at the heart of the UK, alive with potential and ambition. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Customer Specialist

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum
Customer SpecialistPermanent, Part Time£25,081 pro rataLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Customer Specialist

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum
Customer SpecialistPermanent, Part Time£25,081 to £27,653 pro rataLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner