Conclusion 23

The Department acknowledged that it needed to consider place-related aspects to achieving net zero and how local authorities could be involved in co-ordinating the changes needed in areas such as transport and energy.42 The Department told the National 36 Qq 52-53, 65-67 37 C&AG’s Report, para 2.19-2.21 38 Local Government Association submission para 4 39 Q 39 40 Q 43; Local Government Association submission para 7 41 Local Government Association submission para 7; Local Government Association, Climate Change Survey, Research report, February 2020 pages 2, 35 42 Qq 40-41 16 Achieving Net Zero Audit Office that it intended to engage with local authorities about their role as part of the creation of the net zero strategy.43 During our evidence session, the Department further committed to actively engaging with local authorities on how sector strategies will be rolled out, as the strategies were published. The Department noted that it had provided toolkits to raise the capability and capacity within local authorities and has local energy hubs to enable engagement with them. These hubs aimed to help local authorities to develop plans to attract investment and fund the development and sharing of best practice between local authorities.44 43 C&AG’s Report, paras 11, 2.22 44 Qq 39, 44; C&AG’s Report, para 2.22 Achieving Net Zero 17