Local and regional leaders in the UK should “forge ahead” with Net Zero, according to a new report, co-authored by Conservative MP and Net Zero Tsar, Chris Skidmore.
Following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Net Zero policy announcements, the “The Future is Local” report has been released to follow up on Mission Zero, the UK Government-commissioned independent review of Net Zero delivery.
“The Future is Local” makes 31 recommendations, grouped into five overarching themes and key recommendations.
These include introducing a Local Net Zero Charter to agree responsibilities and enhance partnership between the UK government, devolved governments and regional, city and local authorities.
Another is to hasten the adoption, consistency, and success of Local Area Energy Plans across the UK.
It also recommends developing a local Net Zero Delivery Framework to enable collaboration between UK Government and local and regional authorities, using The Local Net Zero Forum.
Skidmore said: “In too many discussions about the UK’s Net Zero commitments, the vital role of local and regional government is overlooked.
“Against a backdrop of wavering central government support, councils and regions are already leading the way on climate action, with many aiming to deliver Net Zero ahead of national targets.
“The Local Mission Zero Network’s first report, The Future Is Local, sets out over thirty recommendations to further the Net Zero Review’s local delivery mission.
“It’s clear that if central government won’t step up, it should get out of the way and allow local and regional leaders to forge ahead with their positive vision to achieve local Net Zero in partnership with communities up and down the country.
“Unleashing their ambition is the most effective way to harness the economic and regional growth opportunities that Net Zero can unlock.”