What are the practical steps that councils can take, now, to help reduce their carbon emissions and establish a firm track on the journey to net zero?

There is much pioneering work being carried out in the local government sector. Local Partnerships has been proud to sponsor The MJ Achievement Awards ‘Leadership in responding to the climate emergency' category for the second year since we helped establish it with this publication. It was particularly interesting to hear from local authorities already delivering at scale and pace, learning how this was being achieved and the barriers to success.

Our work on project assurance, governance and business case development over the last decade has drawn out the need for robust systems, clear data and smart procurement. By contrast, the recent NAO findings on the implementation of the Green Homes Grant highlight how a rush for action, without setting the necessary measures in place, is unlikely to achieve delivery at scale and pace.

The Awards programme helped us identify how those who have taken a systematic approach are more successful at securing funding and delivering projects, and we are preparing to share this with the wider sector.

The MJ and Local Partnerships will jointly host a webinar series in the run up to COP26, designed for councils seeking to accelerate their action on the climate crisis through practical solutions. It utilises our collective experience in this arena and features insights and delivery advice from the local authorities who submitted outstanding applications to the award.

We will examine how the most successful local authorities have set about taking action. Two sessions will cover the key topics of data, effective procurement, business case development and decision-making, with speakers from Lancaster City Council (commended for their systematic approach) and award winners Cornwall Council.

The third session will focus on the importance of renewable energy in the delivery of area-wide ambitions and net-zero strategies. This will include market insights from Aurora Energy Research and practical examples of local area energy planning from highly commended council Hounslow LBC.

Our collective focus is on how to make delivery at scale and pace possible. Join us for the three webinar series on Mondays 4, 11 and 18 October. To reserve your place visit our website or bit.ly/390DhxR.

jo.wall@localpartnerships.gov.uk • 07770 702 386 localpartnerships.org.uk