In a time of shifting political priorities, financial strain and other local challenges, it's understandable that some councils are asking: where does climate action fit now?
But climate isn't a separate or competing priority. When seen through the lens of economic resilience, it becomes a practical route to stability, investment and regeneration. Net zero ambitions can, and must, go hand in hand with local growth.
Across the UK, there are examples of councils proving this already. They are leveraging green strategies to support local jobs, attract inward investment, cut costs and reduce long-term risk. Climate action is delivering outcomes far beyond emissions reduction.
Of course, none of this is easy. Implementing and planning carbon reduction and climate adaptation strategies means confronting upfront costs, navigating emerging finance models and making difficult decisions about where to focus limited capacity. This can be especially tough in places where priorities have shifted from the immediate climate concerns. To tackle this, it will be vital to reframe the conversation around the long-term benefits: reduced risk, lower running costs for buildings and services, stronger local economies and more resilient communities.
At Local Partnerships, we've been working with councils to help make this shift. We support evidence-based climate strategies, advise on green finance and help identify practical actions for authorities that align with their wider priorities. That might mean integrating retrofit into regeneration schemes, decarbonising transport fleets or targeting infrastructure investment to help vulnerable communities adapt to climate risks.
The most successful approaches are those that embed climate ambition within broader council plans. This should be done, not as an add-on, but as a way to unlock multiple benefits. Especially in places under financial pressure, a strong climate strategy can be a tool for doing more with less, rather than something extra to deliver against a pressing budget. This was powerfully demonstrated recently by Lancaster City Council, winner of The MJ Award for Leadership in Responding to the Climate Emergency, which we are proud to sponsor.
If this resonates with you and you would like a discussion on how to align climate goals with wider delivery plans, please get in touch with me at Adele.Gritten@localpartnerships.gov.uk
Adele Gritten is Chief Executive Local Partnerships
