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

Residential Assistant

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £25395.00 per annum
Residential AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,081 up to £25,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Planning Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £39,513 to £43,693 Grade 12 £42,708 to £46,731 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Durham County Council is looking for experienced and knowledgeable Senior Planning Officers to join our vibrant Development Management team. Our team Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Head of Service – Social Care

Wrexham County Borough Council
G15 £63,148 - £67,058 per annum
There is an exciting opportunity within Children Social Care to join the senior management team Wrexham (Wrecsam)
Recuriter: Wrexham County Borough Council

Head of Service Social Work & Specialist Support

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Grade M scp 60 £72,118 - scp 64 £77,293
There couldn’t be a more exciting time to join us. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Cafe Assistant - Weald Country Park

Essex County Council
Up to £13.3000 per hour
Café Assistant (Weald Country Park)Contract
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner