Climate change
Creating the new normal
George Thorley looks at our nations’ challenges as they start to look beyond the pandemic. He argues for the strengthening of the role of local government as a key component of the new normal.
Reaching net zero will be delivered at the local level
While the Government has set a national goal, reaching net zero – and the changes that need to be made – will be delivered at the local level, says Andrew Carter.
Government needs to prep SMEs for net-zero
The Government needs to step up its COP26 campaigns to get small and medium sized businesses ready for net-zero, the chair of a Parliamentary committee has warned.
Building back better in the UK and US
Annabel Smith and Thomas Hauschildt look at what emerged from a Centre for Progressive Policy debate on the role of place in driving forward the build back better agenda in the UK and US.
This is our chance to level up for Cornwall
The themes in the Prime Minister’s levelling up speech chime clearly with Cornwall Council’s plan to build back stronger, greener and fairer, says Cllr Linda Taylor.
Government criticised for ‘lack of clarity’ over net-zero strategy
Auditors have criticised the Government for not providing local authorities with clarity about their role in achieving net-zero by 2050.
Prudential borrowing threat reduced
The threat of high levels of prudential borrowing by councils for commercial property investments has been downgraded by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
Call for recognition of councils' role in net zero strategy
A group of local government, environmental and research organisations has called for powers and resources for councils as part of the national net zero strategy.
Supporting the next generation of public services: partnerships and a digital fabric
How can local authorities build a digital fabric that supports the future of their communities? BT outline five fundamental steps to achieving this.
Pensions chairman surprised at preparedness findings
The chairman of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) advisory board has expressed surprise at a survey that found most funds unprepared for a major change.
Councillors reject fossil fuel pension divestment
Wrexham CBC has voted down a motion to pressure a pension fund into shifting investment away from firms dealing in carbon fuels.
Planning for a greener Scotland
With a draft of the latest, environmentally focused Scottish National Planning Framework set for publication later this year, how might this change councils’ approach to applications, asks Rory Alexander.
Cities are not mere delivery agents for nations
All the global cities at the first 'G7 U7' summit were on the frontline during the pandemic, says Cllr Nick Forbes. 'They all suffered as a result, but our discussion made clear they are also the places most capable of delivering recovery'.
Call for government to match local ambitions on climate change
Councils have said their efforts to reduce carbon emissions are being constrained by a lack of powers and funding.
Strathclyde in divestment threat
Scotland’s largest local government pension fund will drop investments in fossil fuel firms that fail to act on the climate emergency.
Paint your town a rainbow
Helen Power and Tom Lloyd Goodwin look at what can be learned from a new book telling the story of CLES’s collaborative work in Preston on a bespoke approach to community wealth building.
Reaping the benefits from urban green space need not cost the earth
Urban areas, even those that are densely populated, can still play host to biologically diverse plant and animal life, especially if they are supported to do this by sensitive and intelligent local land management, says Paul O'Brien.
Five success factors for delivering a fair recovery
PwC has identified five success factors it believes are crucial to levelling up the UK, say Jonathan House and Ben Pykett. It’s time to take a broader approach to growth, they believe.
A fresh challenge
The new president of ADEPT Paula Hewitt outlines her hopes and plans as the sector slowly recovers from the COVID pandemic – and says ‘real’ collaboration is vital to a successful future for places and communities.
We are getting warmer on climate change
The Government needs to apply the same problem solving to climate change as it has to tackling the pandemic, says Kathy O'Leary.
