Environment
The problems with the finance settlement
Ian Miller examines the risks and uncertainties for districts in the provisional settlement, and lists the uncomfortable topics he says ‘cannot be avoided for much longer’.
Call for Westminster to 'take the lead' on deposit return scheme
An environmental charity has called for Westminster to ‘take the lead’ after further delays to the introduction of the deposit return scheme (DRS) in Scotland.
Rising to the biodiversity challenge
James Cross explains what biodiversity net gain, now mandated in the Government’s Environment Bill, means for local planning authorities.
Councils need the tools to tackle climate change
If the Government didn’t quite achieve its aims during COP26, it can still lead by example, harness the profile of the summit and work with councils to tackle climate change on our own doorstep, argues Heather Jameson
Good Cop or Bad Cop?
Financial predators may already be circling in answer to the question of where local government’s funding for climate action will come from, say Paul O’Brien and Mo Baines.
Councils criticise climate change deal
The local government sector has stressed the need for local action following a disappointing close to the COP26 conference.
Let’s harness the energy of our youth to shape climate emergency declarations
Fay Holland of Groundwork says young people want to be involved in decisions about tackling the climate emergency, and it’s crucial to make sure they’re all included.
Global push to recognise councils’ role in climate change
UK councils have joined international calls for the role of local government in tackling climate change to be recognised.
Councils urged to hold their nerve on climate change
Senior Local Government Association members told the COP26 climate change conference local authorities must be prepared to take potentially unpopular decisions.
Taking the lead locally on the climate emergency
A project launched last year provides a significant piece of Craven DC's zero carbon by 2030 jigsaw, says Paul Shevlin, and the most impactful thing the council could do was to take steps to cut the carbon footprint of its seven key premises.
Leadership in a tough climate
Leader of Glasgow City Council Susan Aitken says COP26 is the city’s chance to show how its own integrated approach can lead the world in ensuring a climate-resilient future.
More than just blah, blah, blah
As COP26 draws to a close, Heather Jameson reports on a Local Partnerships webinar, where some of local government’s leaders on climate change discussed what they were doing to avoid a crisis.
Sector 'invisible' in COP26 preamble
Local government is ‘invisible’ in the preamble to the Glasgow COP26 agreement, the sector’s representative at the international conference has said.
Local government will need £68bn to become net-zero, report finds
Local government will need an up-front investment of £68bn from Government in order to become net-zero by 2035, according to a new report.
Two out of three councils have no electric vehicle charging point plans, research finds
Two out of three local authorities have no plans in place to install electric vehicle charge points (EVCPs), research has revealed.
It's war but not as we know it!
As world leaders meet in Glasgow for COP26, Nick Kilby says it's time for action on climate change and local government should be in the driving seat.
Government must engage with councils on climate action
MPs have called for the Government to ‘immediately’ begin working with councils on setting out their role in reducing carbon emissions.
Local Government: The Nexus for a Bright Future
Jes Ladva at Odgers Interim reflects on the vital importance of using cross-sector expertise to provide unparalleled leadership across all government functions.
Councils need to be brave on net-zero
Founder of Climate Emergency UK, Cllr Kevin Frea, says that, to meet net-zero targets, councils need to collaborate with their communities, including groups like Extinction Rebellion.
Is it easy being green?
Huw Russell of Local Partnerships says: 'It might not all be easy, but we stand ready to support the public sector implement the changes required by the Environment Bill.'
