Climate change
It is the right time to invest in all of our futures
As we head towards COP26 Paul O’Brien says we should not settle for anything less than a key role for councils in the delivery of the plan for net zero, or the consequences could be catastrophic.
Joining the dots
Ahead of COP26, the Government has published its route map for reaching net zero emissions, but is it ambitious enough and what does it mean for local government? Ann McGauran reports.
Call for new zero-carbon powers
The leader of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Lib Dem group has called for councils to be given powers to compel developers to build zero-carbon homes.
Is it easy being green?
Huw Russell of Local Partnerships says: 'It might not all be easy, but we stand ready to support the public sector implement the changes required by the Environment Bill.'
Counting the benefits of good partnership
The South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership was formally signed off this summer. It will build on South Holland DC’s own experience of partnership working, and build something even bigger, says Rob Barlow.
Call for ground-up approach to carbon reduction
The Government must ‘match the ambition of communities’ on reducing carbon emissions, a think-tank has said.
Retrofitting risks ‘dangerous divide’
Councils should have a role to play in avoiding widening regional inequalities when retrofitting housing, according to a new report today.
Action on climate crisis
Watch The MJ and Local Partnerships pre COP26 webinar series designed for local authorities seeking to accelerate their action against the climate crisis through practical solutions.
Is there much rigour to the Spending Review?
The District Councils’ Network’s clear requests include a year-on-year, real-terms increase in Government-funded spending power across the Spending Review, with the certainty and stability of a multi-year financial settlement, says Ian Miller.
Why we need to talk about floodplains
Continuing to build new homes in floodplain areas without resilience measures is a planned catastrophe, writes Localis’ Grace Newcombe.
Joint Cabinet meeting 'first of its kind'
A joint Cabinet meeting held between Wales’ council leaders and senior Welsh ministers is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.
Lifting up our high streets
Engaging with and empowering communities are crucial to rejuvenating our high streets, and we must ensure citizens’ voices are heard and listened to, says Kathy Kyle Bonomini.
Filling the hydrogen information gap
The Building a Hydrogen Society campaign is aimed at local authorities and offers best practice case studies to help inform their climate strategy decisions, says Clare Jackson.
Future Forum: Government decarbonisation 'barriers' to fall
Next month’s COP26 climate change conference could be a watershed moment for the energy sector, an expert has told The MJ's Future Forum event.
Councils warned to expect climate protests
Councils have been warned new climate activist group Insulate Britain intends to target other regions in the coming weeks after protests targetted the south-east, The MJ understands.
Leeds warns it may miss net-zero target
Councillors have been told further funds and powers will be needed to achieve Leeds City Council’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2030.
Councils’ net-zero hopes dashed
There are no plans for new powers, frameworks or funding overhauls in the Government’s net-zero strategy, ministers have admitted.
Hughes hints at multi-year funding settlement
Junior minister Eddie Hughes has attempted to reassure councils that a multi-year funding settlement may be approaching.
The clock is tickling
Local government is awaiting the outcome of some important announcements in the next couple of months, says Paul O'Brien. Will the Government trust councils to crack on?
Climate leadership demands delivery at scale and pace
What are the practical steps that councils can take, now, to help reduce their carbon emissions and establish a firm track on the journey to net zero? Jo Wall offers her advice
