Local Plans should become the driving force behind decarbonisation and clean growth projects, according to a new report.
A new report from Localis is calling on local government to be empowered to independently lead the drive to hit net zero in local communities.
It has published five action points to show how councils can deliver a decarbonised local economy.
This includes rethinking an area’s Local Plan so it can ensure housing and economic needs are met sustainably. It also calls on councils to conduct green energy reviews, and engage with local businesses to bring about a just transition to net-zero industry.
The report also calls for active travel policies to be reviewed and a holistic land use strategy to be developed so carbon-intensive land use is offset.
Localis head of research, Joe Fyans, said: 'Local authorities across the country are rightly acting to push their local economies in the direction of decarbonisation and better, higher growth.
'This report is filled with examples of councils acting within current systemic constraints to deliver net zero – using their Local Plans to push better practice in the built environment, investing locally in the generation and supply of renewable energy, working with local business to increase sustainable practice, leading a transformation in land management, and driving behavioural and infrastructural changes needed to transition justly to a net zero country.'
