Cost of living crisis could risk "critical" role of councils in achieving net zero

Councils' efforts to reach net zero by 2050 could be hampered by a faltering interest from the public in reducing emissions amid the cost of living crisis, a report from the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) and Browne Jacobson has suggested.

The warning comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said today (20 September) that the Government is easing its efforts to reduce emissions, noting that previous net zero policy risked "losing the consent of the British people".

Sunak said he remains committed to net zero, but that he did not want families to have to “bear unnecessary costs” in pursuing the policy.

His change in approach will see the ban on diesel and petrol vehicles pushed back to 2035 and plans to introduce "seven different bins" into households scrapped, among other things.  

The LGiU report noted that councils are a critical player in achieving the target of zero emissions by 2050, given their influence over significant sources of emissions, but that the cost-of-living crisis, inflation and rising fuel and energy costs "risk distracting and deprioritising local efforts towards net zero".

It highlighted that public support has been "severely tested" during recent high-profile disagreements like the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion and the implementation of low-traffic neighbourhoods. Decisions concerning low-traffic neighbourhoods and the expansion of ULEZ have been subject to lengthy judicial reviews.

"This, combined with the cost-of-living crisis, risks weakening councils' resolve to deliver net zero democratically," the report noted.

The report concluded that in spite of so many external pressures, maintaining democratic support is essential for achieving net zero because it will enable shared understanding and build public support for change.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of the Local Government Information Unit, said: "With the country struggling under the weight of the cost-of-living crisis, it is tempting to focus efforts on that alone. However, if councils agree that the net zero targets are necessary, they must accept that they cannot deliver their contribution alone. It requires the support of residents, businesses and the public sector across each of our communities to contribute towards net zero goals."

"Taking a democratic approach to net zero in local areas will improve decision-making and planning by incorporating a broader range of views and perspectives, adding legitimacy to the process and helping to build trust locally.

"This is essential for changing behaviours and implementing local strategies. By working with the community and fostering support councils can also maximise the co-benefits of net zero, ensuring that the transition is just and fair."

Meanwhile, Ben Standing, Partner at Browne Jacobson, said: "As a firm that supports a large local authority client base on various important environmental and planning law issues, it is evident that there are difficult choices that are to be made if the country is ever going to hit its national net zero targets and this report highlights the integral role that local democracy has to play to help enable the meaningful changes required at local level which will ultimately support us in achieving our national goals."

Adam Carey