Climate experts call for council action on carbon emissions

18 May 2012

The Government must ensure every local authority takes action on climate change.

And give them cash to do it - says a new report by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC).

Climate Change Minister Greg Barker asked the CCC to provide the advice. He did this in response to campaigning by Friends of the Earth, buisness groups and 40 councils.

Speaking at the launch yesterday, Barker said: 

I do expect every local authority to develop a plan along the lines outlined in the committee's report - there shouldn't be an opt out.

The benefits

The report highlights how council action on climate change can also:

• Reduce fuel bills.
• Boost the local economy
• Create jobs.

UK climate targets won't be met unless ministers ensure every council plays its part in slashing emissions, and has the funds to do so.

Andy Atkins, Executive Director, Friends of the Earth

Massive local support

Thanks to our local groups, councils up and down the country backed our Get Serious campaign.

Authorities like Manchester, Bristol and Durham all signed up to reduce their emissions and demand national reduction targets.  

I welcome the Committee on Climate Change recommendation that every council should have an ambitious local carbon plan - and funding from the Government to do it.

Cllr Keith House, Leader, Eastleigh (Liberal Democrat)

We totally endorse the findings and we support their recommendation of a duty and additional funding for all councils to have a carbon plan.

Cllr Louise Goldsmith, Leader, West Sussex (Conservative)

Thank you

Special thanks to our local groups who''ve persuaded MPs, businesses and councils to back local action to cut emissions.

And a big thank you to all who took part in this campaign.

Please take our latest online climate action.