Environment
Community hubs: spaces to grow, gather and recover
With the proper resources, community hubs that include green space can play a key role in rebuilding social connections and reversing the isolation many people have experienced during lockdown, says Fay Holland of Groundwork.
Borrowing to benefit the environment
West Berkshire Council has launched the UK’s first Community Municipal Investment, enabling access to cheaper borrowing rates for environmentally focused projects. Joseph Holmes explains.
Pincher tries to soothe Tory fears over new housing formula
Housing minister Christopher Pincher has attempted to soothe Tory fears over the Government’s new methodology for calculating local need.
Nottingham agrees governance overhaul
The council will implement a raft of measures in a bid to improve oversight of its companies after its energy firm incurred a £24m loss.
Warrington launches green energy bond
The council aims to raise £1m to fund a green energy project.
Slow with the flow
When residents of Stroud were offered a concrete dam as a solution to their flooding problems, councillors and the community pushed for a more natural solution, says Kathy O’Leary.
Has the pandemic depreciated climate change?
As we head for the second wave of the pandemic, Dr Andrew Larner says we must not take our eye of the ball on climate change
Planning shakeup to ‘sideline’ councils
Councils have warned they will be ‘sidelined’ by new planning regulations to be unveiled this week.
Taking the ethical route to enforcement
Three years ago East Hampshire DC and Havant BC launched their own ethical trading company aimed at improving the environment, says Gill Kneller - and they're delivering a 'seamless and efficient enforcement service'.
Charities warn over planning 'deregulation'
Government plans to overhaul planning rules post-Brexit have come under fire from environmental groups.
Using collective intelligence to address climate change
In the last in an essay series, Peter Baeck and Sophie Reynolds of Nesta consider how to use the wisdom of citizens to mitigate and adapt to the impact of climate change in cities.
Has COVID-19 put the brake on clean air zones?
Data appears to suggest a shift towards private cars may already be happening in response to COVID-19, say Laura Thornton and Andrew Lister. Where does this leave local authorities’ clean air zones plans?
Real imagination needed for a green reset
More ambitious progress on place-based approaches to reducing carbon emissions will need ‘a great deal of political will and resources’, according to a Penna/The MJ virtual seminar. Heather Jameson reports.
Tackling climate change: Mission Impossible or a new hope?
The scale of the task may be enormous, but the pandemic can be the driver for radical change in business delivery - with climate friendly solutions at the forefront of our thinking, says Karen Whelan.
Sunak set to unveil green investment plans
Plans to rebuild the economy with green investment are set to be launched by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in his summer statement tomorrow.
Walking and cycling plea to avoid 'car-mageddon'
A senior councillor has warned against a ‘car-mageddon’ recovery post-lockdown as he urged the sector to invest in walking and cycling.
Clapping leaves gulls flapping
Clapping for carers every Thursday night is important n’all that but Worcester City Council has found it brings another bonus.
Council approves UK's first community municipal investment
West Berkshire Council voted last night to approve the UK’s first community municipal investment (CMI).
Most councils still providing normal waste collections, survey reveals
The majority of councils have been able to provide a normal waste and recycling collection service, a new survey has revealed.
EXCLUSIVE: Ministry to look at easing sector burdens
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) officials have said they will look at further easing the burdens on the sector amid the coronavirus crisis.
