Energy
Unleash wave of mayoral devo, says Onward
A report from the centre-right Onward think-tank has urged the Government to step back from ‘micromanaging’ England’s cities and counties, and unleash a wave of mayoral devolution.
Harnessing the full benefits of home upgrades
Support for home upgrades will lower emissions and protect communities from the energy crisis, and trailblazing councils are already showing the way, say Cara Jenkinson and Fiona Duggan.
Beyond Net Zero
As we all bid to achieve net zero targets over the coming months and years, Andrew Spencer of EQUANS discusses how linking environmental and social approaches will provide unique opportunities to succeed.
Counties in inflation funding call
County councils have called for extra Government funding to cope with huge increases caused by inflation.
Council ‘bitterly disappointed’ by oil drilling decision
The Government has been criticised for granting permission for oil drilling to go ahead on a site in Surrey against the county council’s wishes.
Is cost of living aid enough?
Ann McGauran reports on how the financial aid package provided by the chancellor will work in practice and the vital role councils will play in ensuring the cost of living burden is not felt by the most vulnerable in our society.
Finance director leaves Liverpool
The council has announced the departure of director of finance and resources Mel Creighton following a botched energy contract renewal.
Making the green decision pay off
In the week of the ADEPT Spring Conference, new president Mark Kemp says - while some are saying we can’t afford net zero - we need to think more boldly and take more risks.
Ministers must stop flip-flopping over commercial deals
Heather Jameson says ministers should 'stop the policy flip-flop over commercialisation – choose a stance and stick with it'.
Investigation into 'errors' that cost Liverpool £4.5m
An investigation has been launched into ‘control failures and errors’ that cost Liverpool City Council millions of pounds.
How can councils address the rising cost of energy?
Don McLean asks if building energy efficiency is the key to mitigating energy crisis impacts on local councils, and he looks at how to make savings using technology.
Is wind power the next step in delivering net zero?
Martin Barnes discusses the intensifying pressures being placed on local authorities to reach ambitious net zero targets, and how these can be achieved through the use of small wind.
Government needs to commit to reducing energy consumption
Neil Marshall argues that reducing consumption is the only sure-fire way of tackling an energy crisis, and local government can help with this challenge.
UK's energy security strategy is missed opportunity
Local government is a vital piece of the UK’s energy security puzzle, but it has been virtually ignored in the new strategy, says Polly Billington.
LGA in energy costs leisure warning
Rising energy costs are ‘driving decisions’ to close council leisure facilities or reduce opening hours, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.
The energy crisis: what can councils do to protect their communities?
The Government continues to shy away from the investment needed to improve the energy efficiency of housing, but Green Doctors can still help people navigate the crisis, says Fay Holland.
Energy strategy to bring about planning overhaul
The Government is to reform planning regulations in the hope of boosting the nation’s energy supply.
Reform would help more councils achieve their ambitious targets and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels
The 2021 revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework missed the opportunity to remove existing barriers to onshore wind generation, says Kathy O'Leary.
White van man on... energy security
Let’s face it, all this climate change stuff is a dead duck. At this rate, if the price of gas keeps heading north we’ll be back down the coal mines digging out the black gold with our bare hands.
Think big, act local, start now
Communities will look to their local authority for further support with the cost of living crisis, says Paul O'Brien. Councils will also need to provide leadership in decarbonisation, he adds.