Environment
Council owned properties must be part of the climate emergency response
Current energy efficiency delivery ‘at least for domestic properties, is at an all-time low’ says chief executive of Community Energy England Emma Bridge.
Nottingham in bid to 'stabilise' energy company
A new management team has been installed at Robin Hood Energy and governance of council-controlled companies is being overhauled after the company was threatened with having its licence revoked.
NLGN study highlights concerns over air quality
Unitaries are much less likely than Metropolitan councils and London boroughs to consider taking action on air quality as ‘extremely or very important’, the latest quarterly NLGN leadership index survey has found.
Cornwall awards waste contract after procurement delay
Cornwall Council has appointed Biffa to provide its waste collection service after scaling back its contract demands.
We need a longer-term strategy on nutrient neutrality
All but a few new housing developments are getting planning permission because of the need for planning authorities in south Hampshire to demonstrate nutrient neutrality, according to Gill Kneller. She says a clear solution is needed.
It’s party time
With just a week to polling day, the race to form the next Government is nearly over. Here Paul Marinko tries to help the sector navigate the web of policy commitments for local government on offer after 12 December.
East Riding top of recycling rates
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has topped the Government’s list of local authority recycling rates in England for 2018/2019.
White Van Man on... climate change
All I ever hear nowadays is climate change. I blame it on that Scandi girl who said we’d stolen her childhood by driving around town in our motors instead of riding eco-friendly donkeys. Look, I’ve been puffing away on my Dutch roll-ups for years without any effects other than a slight cough, so I can’t see why strolling about the manor taking in a few gasps of diesel fumes has suddenly become a major health hazard.
A growing problem
It has unfortunately fallen upon Diary to convey some sad news from last week.
Rooting out the problem
Drastic times call for drastic measures.
Councils help Doncaster after sandbags plea
Councils clubbed together after desperate Doncaster MBC put out an urgent request for 20,000 sandbags amid warnings that communities could become cut off by flooding.
Environment Bill... What next?
As flooding hits Rotherham and other areas, Sharon Kemp says there is real potential for local leaders to be given support for their climate activities by using the Solace network to share the ideas that drive the changes needed within communities.
Good Growth for Cities 2019: Shaping an inclusive new narrative for UK cities
One of the most interesting things about taking the public’s perspective to measure city success is that the results are not always what we’d expect, says Jonathan House.
Taking on the climate emergency starts with community
Brent is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030, ‘but to drive meaningful change we must also bring our communities on the journey with us ’, says Carolyn Downs.
Nearly 100 flood warnings in place for South Yorkshire
A major incident has been declared in Sheffield today, with nearly 100 flood alerts and warnings in place across South Yorkshire.
That complex conversation with business
The support of the business voice in helping secure some of 'our more ambitious asks around fiscal devolution' will never be unconditional, says John O'Brien.
Hackney to launch energy company
Hackney LBC is to launch its own energy company in a bid to reduce the borough’s carbon footprint.
It’s time to clean up our act
With more than 230 local climate emergencies declared nationwide, it’s time for our local and combined authorities to take action for decarbonisation and sustainable clean growth, writes Jonathan Werran.
The positive domino effects of emissions-based parking schemes
Peter O’Driscoll argues that emissions-based parking delivers cleaner and healthier cities.
We can change behaviours, hearts and minds on the climate emergency
There are great examples of the good work on climate friendliness by County Councils' Network member authorities, says Cllr Sam Corcoran - but there will be a limit to what can be done unless local government is properly funded.