Title

CLIMATE CHANGE

Councils face 'Kafkaesque' barriers to net zero

Local authorities face ‘Kafkaesque’ barriers to achieving net zero goals, a new report backed by the Government’s net zero Tsar has concluded.

Local authorities face ‘Kafkaesque' barriers to achieving net zero goals, a new report backed by the Government's net zero Tsar Chris Skidmore MP has concluded.

Published today by the campaign group UK100, the report said many councils were still waiting for the Government to provide the resources and powers needed to reduce carbon emissions.

The report said local authorities faced ‘counterintuitive' planning rules on housing and onshore wind.

Net zero Tsar Chris Skidmore said the local powers to achieve net zero were 'theoretical rather than actual'.

Membership and insights director at UK100 Christopher Hammond, a former leader of Southampton City Council, added: ‘Local-led action is the fastest, most cost-effective route to net zero.'

CLIMATE CHANGE

The National Housing Bank: Will it help councils build?

By Jack Shaw | 21 November 2025

The question of whether the National Housing Bank becomes a central plank of housebuilding and renewal or a missed opportunity will depend on the choices the...

CLIMATE CHANGE

Punching above our weight in adult social care

By Elaine Allegretti | 19 November 2025

Fiona Taylor and Elaine Allegretti explain how Barking and Dagenham achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating in adult social care.

CLIMATE CHANGE

A Budget eye on council tax

By Paul Marinko | 19 November 2025

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering council tax reform in her upcoming Budget – a move that could reshape how local authorities are funded. Paul Marinko ...

CLIMATE CHANGE

The new leader of the County Councils' Network sets out his vision

By Ann McGauran | 06 November 2025

As the County Councils’ Network gears up for its annual conference this month, new chair Matthew Hicks sets out his priorities and rebuts any suggestion of a...

Popular articles by William Eichler