Environment
Government needs to prep SMEs for net-zero
The Government needs to step up its COP26 campaigns to get small and medium sized businesses ready for net-zero, the chair of a Parliamentary committee has warned.
Capital's councils in call for tough new powers
Local authorities need tough new powers to combat non-traffic sources of air pollution, the capital’s councils have urged.
Call for recognition of councils' role in net zero strategy
A group of local government, environmental and research organisations has called for powers and resources for councils as part of the national net zero strategy.
Bin lorry driver shortage at ‘crisis point’
A shortage of 100,000 heavy goods vehicle drivers has disrupted bin collections across the country.
Planning for a greener Scotland
With a draft of the latest, environmentally focused Scottish National Planning Framework set for publication later this year, how might this change councils’ approach to applications, asks Rory Alexander.
Embracing a greener tourism economy in Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth is engaged with European partners and Norfolk CC on working towards a greener tourism offer that embraces a circular economy, says Sheila Oxtoby.
Call for government to match local ambitions on climate change
Councils have said their efforts to reduce carbon emissions are being constrained by a lack of powers and funding.
Time to get serious about air quality
When it comes to air quality it is local authorities’ duty to go above and beyond simple compliance, says Mark Nichols.
Environmental health risks being 'hollowed out'
More than half of English councils are not taking on environmental health trainees and apprentices due to funding and capacity issues, a survey has found.
Business leaders make planning plea
Business leaders have demanded ‘properly resourced and upskilled local planning departments’ so carbon reduction and nature can be at the heart of the planning system.
Engaging councils is crucial in achieving the UK’s net zero commitment
Ahead of the UK’s historic hosting of COP26, Cratus asked elected members about their engagement with the conference. The data should be of serious concern to government, says Vikki Slade.
Buckinghamshire’s break for success
Martin Tett looks at how Buckinghamshire Council’s unitary status removed some barriers to successfully responding to the COVID crisis and how it is now tackling residents’ mental health and wellbeing as it moves towards a greener future.
Councils press for bin collections overhaul funding
Chief executives have urged the Government to fully fund any nationwide changes to bin collections.
Empower councils to lead net zero push
Councils must be granted powers and funding to help the UK achieve its zero-carbon targets, according to a new report.
Getting all the facts
Diary is a big fan of rather odd bits of information and statistics.
Local leaders call for 'further and faster' action on climate change
Local leaders have called for more funding and powers to help achieve climate change targets.
Chief operating role created in restructure
A new chief operating officer role forms the centrepiece of a major senior management restructure at Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Change is in the air
In anticipation of its forthcoming report on councils and net zero, the National Audit Office asked a round table of local government experts hosted by The MJ what they were doing on climate change – and what they needed from central government.
Finance teams must stay in the loop
Local government finance teams must be constantly inquisitive about Government policy changes that may impact on them, and the new Environmental Bill is one example, says Adele Taylor.
Composting in gardens is better for the environment
If funding is less than the cost of free garden waste collection, households without gardens will have to contribute for a service they can never receive, says Ian Miller.
