Local authorities’ efforts to achieve net zero are being held back, according to a Government-commissioned review.
In his review, former energy minister Chris Skidmore said central Government ‘gets in the way’ of local progress amid a 'landscape that holds back local areas’.
Mr Skidmore found councils ‘currently face a lack of clarity over their role, a disjointed and short-term approach to funding, and require further support to build the capacity and capability needed locally to deliver a successful transition’.
He also pressed for immediate planning reforms to reduce ‘bottlenecks’ and encourage solar and onshore wind.
Mr Skidmore recommended the Government backed at least one trailblazer city, local authority and community to reach net zero by 2030.
Environment spokesperson for the Local Government Association, David Renard, said: ‘Only councils can mobilise and join-up climate action in our towns, cities and rural areas.'
The review found 30% of greenhouse gas emission reductions needed to reach net zero relied on local authority involvement while 82% of emissions were within their ‘scope of influence’.
Energy secretary Grant Shapps said the review ‘offers a range of ideas and innovations for us to consider as we work to grasp the opportunities from green growth’.
This article was originally published by The MJ (£).
