The Climate Change Committee commissioned CAG Consultants to explore what its advice on the Seventh Carbon Budget means for local authorities. This summary report sets out how local authorities can support the delivery of emissions reductions across key sectors of the economy.
It highlights the wide range of roles that local authorities can play – from direct delivery and local leadership to enabling, coordinating, and influencing action by residents, businesses and partners. The report covers key sectors including buildings, transport, electricity supply, waste, agriculture and land use, and industry, and identifies priority actions that local authorities can take in each area.
This is an abridged version of a more detailed report, which includes case studies, a fuller set of actions across different spheres of influence, and an assessment of barriers and challenges to delivery.
This report reflects the views of CAG Consultants, and does not represent the views of the CCC.
Key messages
- Delivering emissions reductions in line with the Seventh Carbon Budget will require rapid electrification of heat, transport, and industry, alongside improvements in energy efficiency and more efficient use of resources.
- Local authorities can support this transition through a range of practical actions, including:
- Electrifying heat in council-owned buildings (residential and non-residential) and transitioning council fleets to electric vehicles.
- Using place shaping and planning powers to align new development and infrastructure with Net Zero, including new residential and non-residential buildings, transport infrastructure, electricity supply infrastructure, and land use changes.
- Engaging with households and businesses to support the uptake of low-carbon technologies and choices.
- Working in partnership with public sector organisations, businesses, utilities, community groups, and voluntary organisations to enable delivery across sectors.
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