Recommendation 16

The Energy Systems Catapult highlighted the importance of expanding local authority competence and resources to ensure the capacity and capability to conduct project appraisal and to access funding to help deliver net zero.59 The Department explained that local net zero hubs exist to help local authorities secure funding, and that, for example, the public sector decarbonisation scheme is accompanied by the low-carbon skills fund to ensure local authorities have the capability to put together a bid of the required standard.60 In addition, the Department indicated that in future the UK Infrastructure Bank will provide support to local authorities to develop business cases for funding over £5 million.61 The Department expects the Local Net Zero Forum to provide the opportunity for central and local government to raise issues such as funding, to share information on funding available, and provide information on support mechanisms to facilitate those who wish to access it.62 Skills in the private sector and civil service