The Government has set the UK a target of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This is the right thing to do, both from an environmental perspective and an economic one. If done properly, a carbon-neutral future will create thousands of new, well paid jobs and help many left-behind cities and towns level up post-pandemic.

More than 60% of our carbon emissions now come from transport and homes, so reducing these will require people to change the way they live, work and travel in our largest cities and towns. There’s an important role for local government in encouraging them to do this.