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Low Carbon Dorset Programme
Low Carbon Dorset supported more than 200 projects with grant funding across a range of sectors and measures, with another 400+ receiving free technical support to start their low carbon journey. The final evaluation particularly highlights the value of the honest broker technical advice available from the projects in house technical team as well as how funding for low carbon measures has assisted many organisations to remain operational through the tough times of the pandemic and the energy price crisis.
Make it local
The LGA launched its Make it Local campaign focusing on how we reshape and reset how we deliver on public policy, ahead of the next general election. The campaign focusses on eight policy areas including ‘Acting on climate change’ that presents a new case into national political parties for Accelerating Local Climate Action. Our case highlights that local climate action can hit net zero by 2050 for a third of the cost and twice the returns compared to a national delivery programme. It sets out that government should put in place a national climate action framework with policy, regulatory and investment certainty and deliver through local climate action agreements with councils underpinned by multi-year place-based funding allocations.
Poor green tech installations
We are currently working with National Trading Standards on tackling substandard retrofit and fraudulent mis-selling of low carbon technology installations. National Trading Standards are seeing a steady increase in consumer complaints and other intelligence about problems in the energy markets which is not only causing problems for consumers but having a knock-on effect on other council services. We would be interested in speaking with councils that have experienced this issue and are taking action to resolve, get in touch with andrew.richmond@local.gov.uk
Large scale ground mounted solar PV farms
Over recent months there has been a significant increase in really large solar PV farms being submitted into planning via the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) process. These are causing issues for the local authorities in the area, both in relation to community engagement and compensation – but also in dealing with the work required without being in receipt of a planning fee. If you are looking for support in relation to NSIP applications, then please contact Jo Wall at Local Partnerships or Andrew Richmond to share similar any similar experiences.
International learning on national and local government collaboration
The LGA has awarded ARUP a project to understand how a selection of different countries around the world organise their national and local government effort in responding to climate change. The purpose of this project is to understand, assess and present learning that might be drawn from other countries that would benefit the governance of climate action in England. The report is expected to be completed in December and a webinar disseminating findings will be given in the New Year.
Great British Insulation Scheme
On Thursday 14 September the Government launched its £1 billion drive to help the most in need heat their homes for less, through the Great British Insulation Scheme. Households in the lower council tax bands with less energy efficient homes will be offered upgrades such as roof, loft or cavity wall insulation.
Environmental Audit Committee
We have submitted evidence to the Environmental Audit Committees enquiry into heat resilience and sustainable cooling. Councillor Linda Taylor, Vice Chair of the LGA’s Local Infrastructure and Net Zero Board has been invited to give oral evidence on behalf of the LGA at the second oral evidence session on Wednesday 25 October.
Heat Network Efficiency Scheme
Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund
Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme
The Application Portal for Phase 3c of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme opened for applications on 10 October. Phase 3c has up to £230 million available in 2024 to 2025. The portal will remain open for 10 working days or until sufficient value of applications has been received for the budget available.
Natural flood management funding
The Environment Agency and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have announced £25 million funding for improving flood resilience through a new natural flood management programme. A range of organisations can apply including local authorities as risk management authorities. Applications close on 10 November 2023.
Improvement
Launch of LGA Sustainability programme, funded by Crown Commercial Service
The Local Government Association (LGA), in partnership with and funded through the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), has launched the two-year programme as part of its sector support offer. The aim is to provide tools and opportunities to build councils’ capability and capacity in sustainability and the environment. We will be announcing details of the programme in the coming months. You can read the full press release on our website and email sustainability@local.gov.uk for further information.
Annual Sector Support Survey
We tailor our support to what local authorities tell us they need, guided by our sector-led improvement (SLI) approach. Find out more about our Sector support offer for local authorities 2023/24. Complete our Sector Support Survey to let us know your local authority's improvement support needs. The deadline for responses is 11.59pm on Monday 16 October.
LGA resources
LGA webinars
Renewable energy best practice guide
Tuesday 21 November 2023, 10.00am - 12.00pm | councillors and officers | virtual
The LGA has just published an updated version of the Renewable Energy Good Practice Guidance originally published in September 2020 to provide additional information in relation to industry and policy changes. This guide will support councils who are considering asset ownership to manage potential risk and benefits. A registration link will soon be available on the LGA events page.
Decarbonising Transport
Wednesday 22 November 2023, 10.00am – 11.30am | councillors and officers | virtual
Transport is now the biggest emitter of carbon of any sector in the UK. If we are to reach our target of net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner, we will need a fundamental transformation of the ways we move. This webinar will share good practice examples from councils who are developing and delivering decarbonising transport strategies and provision across urban and rural communities, across active travel, traditional forms of transport and public transport options. Book your place now.
Other webinars
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What does the UK public think about the co-benefits of climate action? You are invited to a webinar on Tue 31 October, 11am-12pm which will share insights from a new Grantham Institute report that investigates what UK citizens think about the co-benefits of climate action. Sign up by filling out this Microsoft Form.
Local Partnerships
Planning Advisory Service
UK100 launch their new report "Powers in Place: Nature"
UK100 recently launched their new report "Powers in Place: Nature", a supplementary handbook to "Powers in Place: The Handbook of Local Authority Net Zero Powers". The full report provides a comprehensive overview of local authority powers to drive nature recovery, tackle climate change, and simultaneously deliver health and wellbeing co-benefits by promoting engagement with the natural environment — and the related duties they are subject to. Shorter member briefing papers are also available which outline the key takeaway, recommendations, key barriers and case studies for each chapter of the main handbook.
Biodiversity Net Gain
Lots of things going on around biodiversity net gain including confirmation of updated timetable which is resulting a lot of discussion on relevant forums.
Visit the Climate Change hub or email climate@local.gov.uk
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