Climate change
A blueprint for locally-led green recovery
A coalition including councils, Ashden, ADEPT and others is arguing for five priorities for action to ensure the UK meets its 2050 net zero emissions target, says Cara Jenkinson.
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.
Driving community wealth and green jobs in Lewes
Isaac Stanley looks at how Lewes DC is using the potential of community wealth building to increase opportunities for ‘green’ jobs, and to tackle both economic injustice and the threat posed by climate change.
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.
Whitehall failing to harness councils’ enthusiasm on climate action
The Government will fail to meet its 2050 net zero carbon target without working in partnership with local authorities, a new report has warned.
Survey shows public trusts councils more than Government on COVID
The findings of a new opinion poll show the public trusts councils more than Government on the response to COVID, says APSE.
Being ready for change is critical
Local government reorganisation is on the near horizon, says Lawrence Conway. He believes South Lakeland DC 'will be well placed to provide a flexible way of working whatever the outcome of this latest round of deliberations'.
Another false dawn?
Next month’s energy White Paper and a longer-term comprehensive spending review than currently proposed will really tell us whether the PM's 'Green Industrial Revolution' lives up to its billing or is another false dawn, says Paul O'Brien.
We need a detailed green recovery map
Nigel Riglar says while the Government’s emphasis on green recovery provides a way to tackle many of the most pressing issues facing us, a coherent policy framework and sufficient investment are key.
Realising the potential of rural economies
The Institute of Economic Development and the RSN have devised a new toolkit for anyone seeking to raise rural relevance in the economic agenda. Nigel Wilcox says the potential of rural economies must be realised if we are to bounce back better.
A blueprint for change
The time to act on climate change is now, says Mathew Jellings, and it could start with a debate on the UN sustainable development goals
A crucial role for districts
Martin Ellender says districts, with their local and national partners, must consider 'what has worked well during this incredibly challenging period and protect the strengths in the system highlighted in 2020'.
Building Back Better and Stronger
Karen Whelan says local communities, businesses and learning institutions, working with their public authorities and Government, can unite to re-shape their local vision for towns and cities.
Intelligence, tested
Peter Baeck says an enhanced understanding of how to make the most of collective intelligence will ensure public institutions are better placed to respond to the pandemic – and prepare for any others that follow.
Stay focused on the longer-term climate ambitions
Remaining focused on the longer-term climate ambitions can be challenging, says John O'Brien - 'but they are ambitions that will often be part of our broader, near term recovery efforts as well'.
Local solutions are key to global action
ENGIE is seeking out and supporting council clients – particularly those who have a clear climate change commitment, assertive leadership and adequate resources to deliver their climate emergency action plans, says Colin Macpherson.
Community hubs: spaces to grow, gather and recover
With the proper resources, community hubs that include green space can play a key role in rebuilding social connections and reversing the isolation many people have experienced during lockdown, says Fay Holland of Groundwork.
Making the most of remote working
Solace's Karishma Vakta-Smith looks at the impact of remote working, and what it means for the future of recruitment.
Moving forward in a time of unprecedented demand
Lawrence Conway says confidence building, hope and support, and visionary and purposeful local leadership are needed ‘as we move forward to build a better world now and for future generations’.
Preparing for the storms ahead
As communities face a triple threat this winter of COVID-19, councils’ precarious finances and potential flooding, Sharon Kemp urges the Government to empower councils to be responsive to the problems ahead.
