climate emergency
‘Fix the broken system’
Local authorities are taking the lead in trying to alleviate the climate crisis but there is a definite disconnect between the actions of Westminster and those on a local level, as Eleanor Radcliffe and Sarah Longlands explain.
Restoring resilience
Councils need to own the leadership of the response to extreme weather events and should argue the case for their role to be recognised and properly resourced, says Dame Meg Hillier.
A proactive approach to climate change
Andrew Spencer discusses how Equans is creating sustainable communities through effective place-based decarbonisation.
Regeneration must get on its bike
Jonathan Werran sets out what is needed during the next political cycle if regeneration is to be successful, including a return to regional spatial planning.
Council buildings: Deploying the right energy model is crucial
Chris Anton asks if councils are paying the price for passing on post-occupancy building evaluation.
What will the next steps be for the mayoral model?
While the offers to communities from mayors are maturing, there remain big questions to be answered by whichever party forms the next Government, says Zoë Billingham.
Gaining skills: Overcoming the barriers in Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth's skills and employability strategy will provide a positive, collaborative framework for the council and its partners and It will leave residents well placed for careers that improve their lives and those of their families, says Sheila Oxtoby.
A call for transparency and accountability
Local government must confront pressing 'elephant in the room' issues head-on if it is to foster transparency, accountability and effective governance, says chief executive of Local Partnerships Adele Gritten.
Net zero: Something more radical is needed
We need to harness national, regional and local public sector leadership that engages with citizens in neighbourhoods on what moving to net zero will mean for communities, says Jon Rowney.
Ready for a bright new dawn?
Rachel Reeves’ Mais lecture represented a clear shift away from New Labour towards an active state, a muscular industrial strategy and ambitious regional policy, say Mike Emmerich and Ben Lucas.
Future Forum: Poor energy planning 'causing barriers to green growth'
A lack of co-ordination in how the energy system is planned is causing barriers ‘not only to decarbonisation and retrofit, but to green economic growth’, The MJ Future Forum has heard.
Can the Liverpool city region seize its golden moment?
A Manifesto for Liverpool City Region addresses the economic, social, environmental and political challenges facing the next UK Government, say Dr Tom Arnold and Dr James Hickson.
Local government can drive an inclusive transition to net zero
Emily Morrison calls for a place-based approach to net zero transition, saying national policy is failing to support the UK’s poorest households towards a carbon-neutral future.
An appetite for change in Durham
Kelly Rose says tackling health inequalities is the key focus of Durham County Council’s work to improve access to healthier food, alongside promoting low carbon diets.
Going faster for a green future
Chris Clarke says that for sustainable procurement it’s crucial not to let a pursuit of the perfect become the enemy of progress – and he looks at the action councils can take.
From 0 to hero on net zero
Barnet’s latest Climate Scorecard rating shows what can be achieved in 18 months, including the creation of a citizens’ and young people’s assembly, writes Yogita Popat.
Decarbonisation: from planning to action
Lack of capacity on the electricity grid can present a significant barrier to local authorities’ net zero goals. Ben Taylor explains how partnering with a decarbonisation expert can help to provide the best chance of success.
Is EV charging the new rural amenity?
EV charging is part of the solution to sustain thriving, dynamic rural communities, according to Zest.
Decarbonising energy networks on the road to net zero
Finding an effective route through the complexities of achieving net zero carbon by 2050 is not always easy, which is why many public sector organisations are seeking external help to optimise the journey. David Mills at EA Technology explores the options
Hope amid the gloom
The coming year may look bleak but outgoing chief executive of the Centre for Progressive Policy Charlotte Alldritt says the inclusive growth agenda leaves her with lots of hope.