‘Slow progress' by the Government threatens attempts to hit national and local net zero and nature restoration targets, a group of local government, environmental and research organisations has warned.

The Blueprint Coalition, which includes the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport (ADEPT), senior officers' group Solace and the Local Government Association, said it was ‘disappointed by slow progress' after the Government last year formed the Local Net Zero Forum to bring Whitehall and councils together.

It said other barriers to meeting targets included ‘fragmented, short-term and competitively allocated funding, a lack of clarity and direction in key policy areas, and delays to essential guidance'.

President of ADEPT, Mark Kemp, said: ‘We need firm commitment and resources from Government to address the climate crisis.'

Senior sustainability analyst at campaign group Friends of the Earth, Sandra Bell, added: ‘The Government has called on councils to do their bit to address climate change and restore nature but hasn't provided nearly enough funding or support to help them get the job done.'