Councils call for clear role in delivering net zero
The Local Government Association (LGA), District Councils Network (DCN), County Councils Network (CCN) and London Councils have jointly called for councils to be given more scope to lead local climate action.
In a letter to the Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho, the organisations argued the Government should implement a national climate action framework with policy, regulatory, and investment certainty up to 2050, with set milestones and a clear role for councils leading local climate action.
They said that the Government should improve support for local climate action and set out the role of local government in achieving net zero.
The organisations also called on the Government to provide adequate and stable core funding to take forward climate action across their own services. This would include multi-year place-based funding allocations to lead decarbonisation across their areas and support to secure greater private investment into local climate action.
Alongside this, they urged the Government to introduce a local climate action test, ensuring all Government policy and funding decisions contribute to local climate action.
Cllr Darren Rodwell, environment spokesperson for the LGA, 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.
“With an impact on over 80% of emissions from their area – from transport and housing to renewable energy, Government will not reach net zero without empowering councils to deliver local climate action in every village, town and city. With the right support, local areas could deliver net zero quicker and for less money, while boosting the local economy and ensuring local people benefit.”
Cllr Sam Corcoran, CCN Spokesperson for Climate Change, said: “Our members know their areas best, and local solutions have been shown to provide better value for money and provide a wide range of benefits. We are therefore delighted to join forces with other local government bodies to call on the Government to improve support for local climate action.”
Cllr Sarah Nelmes, DCN Spokesperson for Environment, Sustainability and Net Zero, said: “Districts have significant expertise and a strong understanding of barriers to local action which has enabled us enabling us to deliver so much already. 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.”
Cllr Kieron Williams, Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, said: “As the largest city in the UK, London has an enormous role to play in reducing national carbon emissions. Councils across our city are providing the local leadership needed to make this happen, through working hand in hand with our communities and businesses to cut carbon emissions in ways that also create good jobs, bring down fuel bills and enable Londoners to live healthier lives.”
Adam Carey
