The Future Is Local, says new Chris Skidmore net zero report

Following Downing Street’s controversial and hugely divisive decision to delay a raft of climate targets, emphasis is now falling on the green power of regional governments. 

Conservative MP and Net Zero Tsar, Chris Skidmore, and Conservative Mayor Baron Huchen are behind The Future Is Local report, which follows on from the previously published Mission Zero, a government-commissioned independent review of Net Zero delivery. 

The assessment lays out a clear argument for focusing on a ‘local Big Bang’ approach to emissions reduction and mitigation, beginning with the introduction of a Local Net Zero Charter. This would agree responsibilities at all levels, stabilising and enhancing partnerships between central, regional and local policy makers. 

In addition, the Local Energy Plan should be sped up and made more consistent for all areas of the UK, while the Local Net Zero Forum should be used to develop a framework for funding and financing with long-term fixed outcomes. An urgent review of the National Planning Policy Framework should also be conducted as a priority, ensuring this is truly aligned with the scale of both solutions to and the climate crisis itself. 

You can read the full report here.

‘In too many discussions about the UK’s Net Zero commitments, the vital role of local and regional government is overlooked. Against a backdrop of wavering central government support, councils and regions are already leading the way on climate action, with many aiming to deliver Net Zero ahead of national targets,’ said Rt Hon Chris Skidmore OBE MP. 

‘The Local Mission Zero Network’s first report, The Future Is Local, sets out over thirty recommendations to further the Net Zero Review’s local delivery mission. It’s clear that if central government won’t step up, it should get out of the way and allow local and regional leaders to forge ahead with their positive vision to achieve local Net Zero in partnership with communities up and down the country,’ he continued. ‘Unleashing their ambition is the most effective way to harness the economic and regional growth opportunities that Net Zero can unlock.’

More on net zero and local government:

How local government pensions are fuelling regional green investment

Regrets? We have a few: Britain’s bankrupt net zero politics

Better days: Why levelling up means net zero

Image: Paul Marlow