Squeezed councils’ contribution to Net Zero goal at risk as public support wanes

With influence over significant sources of emissions and established local networks, councils are a critical player in achieving the target of zero emissions by 2050 – yet, the cost of living crisis, inflation and rising fuel and energy costs, risk distracting and deprioritising local efforts towards net zero, a new collaborative report between the LGIU report and law firm Browne Jacobson has found.

Net Zero and Local Democracy: building and maintaining public support found that while the climate emergency is a global crisis, it requires coordination internationally, nationally and locally, with funding, governance and partnerships directed in the right places. With more than 300 councils in the UK declaring climate emergencies, local action is an essential component of climate action and local government is the essential agent in its leadership.

Councils have influence over important policy areas like housing, transport, health and wellbeing, which can make significant contributions in terms of reduced emissions. They can align action with the needs and preferences of local communities, and through discussion and consultation with residents, councils can tailor decisions to local contexts, sharing knowledge about possible solutions.

Councils can build partnerships with residents, businesses, the third sector and other parts of government to enable and encourage behaviour change that leads to changes in how people use energy, transport, housing, waste services, and much more. Many are linking the changes necessary on emissions to positive changes for households, such as reducing energy bills over the long term.

However, public support has been severely tested in recent and high-profile disagreements surrounding the expansion of the Ultra Low Emissions Zone and Low Traffic Networks which has stymied the debate and eroded progress. This, combined with the cost of living crisis, risks weakening councils’ resolve to deliver net zero democratically.

Today’s report finds that in spite of so many external pressures, maintaining democratic support is essential for achieving net zero because it will enable shared understanding and build public support for change.

A copy of the report is available here and includes a range of case studies from councils from across the UK.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU), said: “With the country struggling under the weight of the cost of living crisis, it is tempting to focus efforts on that alone. However, if councils agree that the net zero targets are necessary, they must accept that they cannot deliver their contribution alone. It requires the support of residents, businesses and the public sector across each of our communities to contribute towards net zero goals.

Taking a democratic approach to net zero in local areas will improve decision-making and planning by incorporating a broader range of views and perspectives, adding legitimacy to the process and helping to build trust locally.

This is essential for changing behaviours and implementing local strategies. By working with the community and fostering support councils can also maximise the co-benefits of net zero, ensuring that the transition is just and fair.”

Ben Standing, Partner, Browne Jacobson, added: “We are proud to have partnered with the LGiU on this insightful report around the net zero agenda which resonates with our own firm values and ambitions around ESG and positive societal impact. As a firm that supports a large local authority client base on various important environmental and planning law issues, it is evident that there are difficult choices that are to be made if the country is ever going to hit its national net zero targets and this report highlights the integral role that local democracy has to play to help enable the meaningful changes required at local level which will ultimately support us in achieving our national goals.”