The UK Government has pursued a policy of ‘localism' towards English councils since the coalition took office in 2010. Together with the general power of competence that featured in the Localism Act 2011, the core principle of this policy – that councils should be freed-up from central control over decision-making – has had widespread support within the local government community.

However, while not disagreeing with the idea local government should be able to develop local approaches to tackle local issues, I would argue greater autonomy can actually weaken councils and mean they are less able to develop and implement effective policies. Instead, closer relations between tiers of government can empower local authorities to pursue more ambitious policies and maintain greater control over decision-making. I compared how ‘twin towns' in England and Germany, Newcastle upon Tyne and Gelsenkirchen respectively, have tried to tackle climate change – although my findings are equally applicable in other policy sectors.