Environment
Councils ask for national support on climate change
Councils have said they stand ready to take action to reduce carbon emissions, but require action from central government.
Avoiding a local climate disaster
COP26 may be a global event to tackle climate change, but we need local action too, says Gill Kneller.
Council's deputy leader falls victim to nuclear waste row
Hartlepool Council’s Cllr Mike Young has resigned after meeting the body behind a planned radioactive waste facility.
Climate change: ‘community is the new COP’
Sharon Kemp says to have any meaningful impact on the global climate crisis ‘we need sustained leadership, commitment and action at a local, regional, national and international level’.
Sharing the tech journey
Councils across south London are collaborating through the Internet of Things project to test ways technology can bring practical benefits to residents and to businesses. Cllr Sunita Gordon and Cllr Stephanie Archer explain.
The Green Book needs to be green in nature
On climate action, it could be argued that the most effective changes we can make are those in which our chosen leaders make solid commitments, followed by sturdy regulation and effective enforcement, says Lawrence Conway.
EXCLUSIVE: Porter intervention in waste plans
A former Conservative chairman of the Local Government Association has angrily criticised the Environment Bill’s waste reform proposals.
Delay on climate change will 'end in disaster'
A call has been issued to the local government sector to act now to tackle climate change in the wake of a landmark report.
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.
Capital's councils in call for tough new powers
Local authorities need tough new powers to combat non-traffic sources of air pollution, the capital’s councils have urged.
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.
Bin lorry driver shortage at ‘crisis point’
A shortage of 100,000 heavy goods vehicle drivers has disrupted bin collections across the country.
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.
Embracing a greener tourism economy in Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth is engaged with European partners and Norfolk CC on working towards a greener tourism offer that embraces a circular economy, says Sheila Oxtoby.
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.
Time to get serious about air quality
When it comes to air quality it is local authorities’ duty to go above and beyond simple compliance, says Mark Nichols.
Environmental health risks being 'hollowed out'
More than half of English councils are not taking on environmental health trainees and apprentices due to funding and capacity issues, a survey has found.
Business leaders make planning plea
Business leaders have demanded ‘properly resourced and upskilled local planning departments’ so carbon reduction and nature can be at the heart of the planning system.
Engaging councils is crucial in achieving the UK’s net zero commitment
Ahead of the UK’s historic hosting of COP26, Cratus asked elected members about their engagement with the conference. The data should be of serious concern to government, says Vikki Slade.
Buckinghamshire’s break for success
Martin Tett looks at how Buckinghamshire Council’s unitary status removed some barriers to successfully responding to the COVID crisis and how it is now tackling residents’ mental health and wellbeing as it moves towards a greener future.
