Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 12
12
We previously reported in 2021 that local authorities have a key role to play in...
Conclusion
We previously reported in 2021 that local authorities have a key role to play in achieving net zero as they have significant scope to influence emissions in their area, by leading decarbonisation of sectors such as housing and transport, and by influencing local businesses and residents to take climate action. We also reported that although the Department had not sufficiently engaged with local authorities on their role in achieving net zero, it committed to engaging actively with local authorities on how sector strategies would be rolled out, as the strategies were published.44
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Summer 2022 4.2 In the Net Zero Strategy, the government has already set out how it will work with local government on the issues the Committee have raised. 4.3 The department will do this by creating a Local Net Zero Forum where the department will discuss local net zero issues with local government as it is critical that local government are involved in discussions about their role in net zero. 4.4 The department is in the process of setting the Local Net Zero Forum up and it will have its first meeting by summer 2022. 4.5 The commitment in the Net Zero Strategy is that the government will explore simplifying and consolidating funds which target net zero initiatives at the local level, where this is the most effective approach to making progress on net zero. This is one of the issues the government will discuss in the Forum.