More powers for local leaders to reach net zero

Local leaders have called for more powers and resources to be devolved from Whitehall to help decarbonise transport, tackle emissions and shape local energy markets.

UK100 has made the case to the government for additional powers to tackle the climate crisis as part of the organisation’s involvement at an international climate change summit in Birmingham.

The joint communiqué, signed by 32 leaders, will provide the government with concrete examples of urgent policy changes that would help local and regional authorities deliver net-zero.

These include: a clear and long-term plan and resources for the decarbonisation of new and existing buildings and homes; setting up strategic energy bodies or similar mechanisms to address market failure in energy systems, with a duty to co-operate between public bodies and the companies that run our energy infrastructure; reducing the high costs of connecting electric vehicle charging networks to the grid; a clear target must be added to the Environment Bill to reverse the decline in species and habitats by 2030; and ensuring the new UK Infrastructure Bank has a Net Zero mandate to deliver local investment in Net Zero projects.

The above measures would be facilitated by a new Net Zero Local Powers Bill to cement new powers for local and regional authorities alongside new reporting requirements on emissions.

Polly Billington, CEO of UK100, said: “We need a power shift from central government to local communities to tackle climate change. Local leaders are more trusted, more accountable and in the case of the UK100 – more ambitious in accelerating the path to Net Zero.”