climate emergency
What will the next steps be for the mayoral model?
While the offers to communities from mayors are maturing, there remain big questions to be answered by whichever party forms the next Government, says Zoë Billingham.
Gaining skills: Overcoming the barriers in Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth's skills and employability strategy will provide a positive, collaborative framework for the council and its partners and It will leave residents well placed for careers that improve their lives and those of their families, says Sheila Oxtoby.
A call for transparency and accountability
Local government must confront pressing 'elephant in the room' issues head-on if it is to foster transparency, accountability and effective governance, says chief executive of Local Partnerships Adele Gritten.
Net zero: Something more radical is needed
We need to harness national, regional and local public sector leadership that engages with citizens in neighbourhoods on what moving to net zero will mean for communities, says Jon Rowney.
Ready for a bright new dawn?
Rachel Reeves’ Mais lecture represented a clear shift away from New Labour towards an active state, a muscular industrial strategy and ambitious regional policy, say Mike Emmerich and Ben Lucas.
Future Forum: Poor energy planning 'causing barriers to green growth'
A lack of co-ordination in how the energy system is planned is causing barriers ‘not only to decarbonisation and retrofit, but to green economic growth’, The MJ Future Forum has heard.
Can the Liverpool city region seize its golden moment?
A Manifesto for Liverpool City Region addresses the economic, social, environmental and political challenges facing the next UK Government, say Dr Tom Arnold and Dr James Hickson.
Local government can drive an inclusive transition to net zero
Emily Morrison calls for a place-based approach to net zero transition, saying national policy is failing to support the UK’s poorest households towards a carbon-neutral future.
An appetite for change in Durham
Kelly Rose says tackling health inequalities is the key focus of Durham County Council’s work to improve access to healthier food, alongside promoting low carbon diets.
From 0 to hero on net zero
Barnet’s latest Climate Scorecard rating shows what can be achieved in 18 months, including the creation of a citizens’ and young people’s assembly, writes Yogita Popat.
Going faster for a green future
Chris Clarke says that for sustainable procurement it’s crucial not to let a pursuit of the perfect become the enemy of progress – and he looks at the action councils can take.
Decarbonisation: from planning to action
Lack of capacity on the electricity grid can present a significant barrier to local authorities’ net zero goals. Ben Taylor explains how partnering with a decarbonisation expert can help to provide the best chance of success.
Is EV charging the new rural amenity?
EV charging is part of the solution to sustain thriving, dynamic rural communities, according to Zest.
Decarbonising energy networks on the road to net zero
Finding an effective route through the complexities of achieving net zero carbon by 2050 is not always easy, which is why many public sector organisations are seeking external help to optimise the journey. David Mills at EA Technology explores the options
Hope amid the gloom
The coming year may look bleak but outgoing chief executive of the Centre for Progressive Policy Charlotte Alldritt says the inclusive growth agenda leaves her with lots of hope.
Oxfordshire’s green future: Failure is not an option
Cllr Pete Sudbury looks at the key messages that came out of Oxfordshire CC’s recent 100 Together green finance conference.
The lack of a national strategy for cities is a national failing
After the General Election, regardless of who wins it, Core Cities will unite with partners to call for a national plan for cities, says Marvin Rees OBE.
Striding towards a green future
South Derbyshire DC has declared climate and ecological emergencies, and the new Council Plan and Local Plan are placing climate and environmental action as highest priority, says Justin Ives.
Driving the green agenda
Maud Hollis discusses the crucial role of talent and leadership in local government’s journey to net zero.
Heat Networks: A key asset in the race to net zero
Channa Karunaratne reflects on the decarbonisation opportunities presented by heat networks and how local authorities can get to grips with the challenges of implementing them.
