Title

CLIMATE CHANGE

Councils need more 'funding and powers' to tackle climate change

Progress needs to be accelerated in every local area if the UK’s climate and nature targets are to be met, campaigners have said.

Progress needs to be accelerated in every local area if the UK's climate and nature targets are to be met, campaigners have said.

A new report from the charities Friends of the Earth and Ashden argued local authorities were ‘crucial' to helping the UK tackle the climate emergency.

Most councils have now declared a climate emergency and 85% have created climate action plans.

However, the study warned that the quality and scale of ambition still varied greatly across the country - in large part because of a lack of clarity from the Government about the role of councils in the journey to net zero.

Friends of the Earth campaigner Sandra Bell said: ‘Whether it's declaring a climate emergency or producing a plan to curb climate and nature breakdown, most local authorities have shown they want to do more to protect our planet.

'But, in spite of this, we're still not seeing local progress at the rate needed to halt the worst climate impacts.

‘For many councils it's a question of funding and powers - both of which are in short supply.'

CLIMATE CHANGE

Pressure grows on ministers to publish reorganisation legal advice

By Heather Jameson | 15 September 2026

Pressure was this week growing on ministers to publish the legal advice behind their decision to ‘pause’ local government reorganisation and announce a review.

CLIMATE CHANGE

The government is backing community spaces, but who will keep them alive?

By Summer Simpson | 15 September 2026

Recognising a shifting political and public mood, Summer Simpson highlights the value of community spaces for local people and places.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Dealing with LGR limbo

By Neil Merrick | 15 September 2026

Councils face renewed uncertainty over staffing, finances, contracts and long-term planning as ministers review local government reorganisation. Neil Merrick...

CLIMATE CHANGE

Seizing a key opportunity to deliver affordable and social housing

By Vince Maple | 14 September 2026

Councils should be at the heart of delivery for the Social and Affordable Homes Programme to be a once-in-a-generation success, says Vince Maple.

Popular articles by William Eichler

-->