Local authorities face ‘Kafkaesque' barriers to achieving net zero goals, a new report backed by the Government's net zero Tsar Chris Skidmore MP has concluded.

Published today by the campaign group UK100, the report said many councils were still waiting for the Government to provide the resources and powers needed to reduce carbon emissions.

The report said local authorities faced ‘counterintuitive' planning rules on housing and onshore wind.

Net zero Tsar Chris Skidmore said the local powers to achieve net zero were 'theoretical rather than actual'.

Membership and insights director at UK100 Christopher Hammond, a former leader of Southampton City Council, added: ‘Local-led action is the fastest, most cost-effective route to net zero.'