UK100, the only UK-wide network of local authorities committed to ambitious Net Zero action, welcomes the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) new report, “Progress in reducing emissions 2023 Report to Parliament”.
The report underscores the pivotal role local authorities play in the transition to Net Zero, mirroring UK100’s recent Powers in Place: The handbook of local authority Net Zero powers report.
The CCC report advocates for local authorities to have more control in managing the roll-out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, setting higher energy efficiency standards for new homes, requiring energy efficiency improvements in existing buildings, and mandating businesses to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste.
Responding to the report, Jason Torrance, UK100’s Interim Chief Executive, said: “The Climate Change Committee’s report is a vital reminder of the crucial role of local authorities in reaching Net Zero. Some trailblazing local authorities are achieving enormous change despite the regulatory and resource challenges the report highlights — but many are still hamstrung by “Kafkaesque” rules and short-term competitive funding pots.
“The Progress report only reinforces the urgency of our call for an end to short-term competitive local authority funding and a Net Zero Powers Bill. This will capitalise on progress made by trailblazing councils and address the critical gaps still hampering wider local Net Zero delivery.
“Ministers must now take heed of both reports and prioritise local action that accelerates Britain towards Net Zero while halting investments that drive us further from our world-leading goals.”
