Local councils ‘vital’ in the fight against climate change

Local councils in the UK who want to take action in the fight against climate change can now apply to the government for funding.

A new government fund, called the Local Authority Best Practice Programme on Climate Change, has a total budget of £4 million. The decision as to who gets funding lies with experts from Whitehall and the Carbon Trust.

The money available in the programme is to help councils make existing good practice more widespread, and to give council officers training to enable them to cut back the emissions produced in their area.

Phil Woolas, Environment Minister, has said that councils need to engage with local communities to make a real difference on climate change. Cutting back their own emissions is no longer enough.

Starting next month, councils will be assessed on carbon dioxide emissions, on their attempts to eradicate fuel poverty, and on their actions to adapt to the effects of climate change. A number of councils are expected to set specific targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

Woolas said: “Local authorities have a vital role to play in tackling climate change through local leadership and service delivery.

“They need to look beyond their own estates and operations - important though these are - for opportunities to cut carbon, and work with people and businesses in their area to inspire change across the whole community.

“This new programme will provide additional support and guidance for authorities to learn from the best practice that is already out there, and to identify and implement effective measures that suit their local circumstances.”