Ellie Ames 24 October 2023

Councils ‘held back’ on net zero

Councils ‘held back’ on net zero image
Image: Sensorman / Shutterstock.com

The organisations that represent English councils have collaborated in a call for the Government to change its approach on delivering net zero.

The Local Government Association (LGA), District Councils’ Network (DCN), County Councils Network (CCN) and London Councils wrote to net zero minister Claire Coutinho today with a plea for more support on local climate action.

The letter notes the Government's own research found local action could achieve net zero by 2050 for half the cost of a central approach.

Despite this, councils have ‘no clear role’ in delivering the national net zero strategy and no core funding for local action, instead having to bid for central funding pots, the organisations said.

LGA environment spokesperson Darren Rodwell said: ‘Councils are leading transformative projects across the country, but their innovation is being held back by the national approach to the transition to net zero.’

In the letter, local government leaders call for a national climate action framework up to 2050 that sets out the role of councils, multi-year funding allocations, and a ‘local climate action test’ to check whether policy and funding decisions contribute to net zero goals.

DCN net zero spokesperson Sarah Nelmes said: ‘If all local authorities receive stable funding, we can work in partnership with national government and neighbouring authorities to deliver net zero at pace.

‘Empowering councils to tailor schemes to our places will support uptake and ensure our residents’ needs are at the heart of all local climate action.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Product Support Analyst

Essex County Council
£33512 - £39425 per annum + Hybrid Working
*Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. Enjoy the freedom to work from home while still benefiting from in England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Security Architect

Essex County Council
£60049 - £70645 per annum + Hybrid Working
This is a 12 month fixed term contract or secondment opportunity.*Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. E England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Control Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£37602 - £45564 plus shift and weekend allowance
Are you looking for your next opportunity to work as part of a team in a 24-hour emergency control room covering the Boroughs of Richmond and Wandsworth. To be responsible for receiving and logging calls from the public, outside agencies and partners. Use Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Senior User Centered Designer

Essex County Council
£60049 - £70645 per annum + Hybrid Working
Interviews will be held on 29th and 30th October 2025.*Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. Enjoy the fr England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Network and Communications Lead

Essex County Council
£52621 - £61906 per annum + Hybrid working
Interviews will be held W/C 20th October 2025.*Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. Enjoy the freedom to England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner