Environment
Queen's speech: PM's 'live local and prosper' promise
Levelling up, boosting the economy and backing the NHS are set to be the priorities for Tuesday’s Queen’s speech.
Climate change efforts hindered by 'broken' system, warns report
Local government efforts to tackle climate change are being held back by a ‘broken’ national system, a new report has found.
Weighing up the reality of net zero: nemesis or global hero?
As we approach COP26, The MJ and Local Partnerships gathered a group of council chiefs to talk about net zero and the role of local government. They went from cynicism to optimism – but they all have a passion and a plan for action.
Glasgow first to sign circular economy commitment
Glasgow City Council has become the first in the UK to sign a commitment to raise awareness of the full benefits of the circular economy.
How to excel at recycling
What does it take to be a top recycling authority? Ray Figg says the secret to Three Rivers DC’s success doesn’t lie in one magic ingredient.
Leading from the front on the ecological emergency
South Cambridgeshire DC has signed up to a vision of doubling nature by 2050, with its partners in Natural Cambridgeshire. Trevor Nicoll explains the three-tiered approach.
COP26: A once in a generation opportunity for local government
Laura Hughes of Browne Jacobson LLP says COP26 is 'a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure local government is given the resources it needs to drive decarbonisation', and it should be grasped with both hands.
Council to review Greensill land sale
Cheshire West & Chester Council has halted the sale of land to Lex Greensill following controversy over his lobbying of government ministers.
Meet the new breed of sustainable bonds
UK local authorities are well placed to access the capital markets through Envrionmental, Social and Governance bonds, and the range of projects they can fund is vast, says Christian Wall.
A task as difficult as good community engagement needs a plan
When it comes to climate action some communities are labelled ‘hard to reach’ – but when they speak, do we listen, asks Chris Church.
Councils face ‘wide range of barriers’ to tackle climate change
The Government must engage with councils and provide resources to achieve net-zero targets, MPs have said.
Council pension funds invest nearly £10bn in fossil fuels
Nearly £10bn of local government pension funds are still invested in fossil fuels, new research has found.
Warwick to overhaul climate change plans
Warwick DC is to redraw its plans to tackle climate change after abandoning a green tax referendum.
Flood recovery funding calls rejected
The Government has ruled out releasing national funds for flood recovery in the wake of Storm Christoph.
Recycling: Now’s the time to consider switching to separate collection
With many changes taking place as a result of the Environment Bill, this is a perfect opportunity to consider switching to separate collection of paper and cardboard, says Simon Ellin.
A ‘bottom up’ response to Brexit
Paul Frainer thinks we are at a crossroads economically, socially and environmentally, ‘and Brexit is just one part of that complex system’.
Council move to regain control of environmental services
Senior Norwich City Council members have taken another step towards bringing environmental services back under local authority control from April.
Rewards of doughnut decision-making
Cornwall Council is using the ‘doughnut economics’ model to help the county navigate the uncertainties and complexities of the climate crisis, including the risks of accelerating inequality. Cllr Edwina Hannaford explains.
Local leaders to race ahead on cutting carbon
Local leaders representing around a third of England and Scotland’s population have vowed to go ‘further and faster’ than government to reduce carbon emissions.
Guiding freeport proposals in the Thames Estuary
Kate Willard and Perry Glading outline the Thames Estuary Growth Board’s guiding principles for freeport proposals, based on six key areas.
