Climate Local An initiative to drive and support council-led action on climate change

1. Climate Local An initiative to drive and support council-led action on climate change Abigail Burridge Senior Advisor, LGA Phone: 020 7664 3245 abigail.burridge@local.gov.uk Jess David, Advisor, LGA Phone: 020 7664 3175jessica.david@local.gov.uk

2. Journey so far • Consultation with councils on the development of the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change • Development work for ‘Climate Local’ with partnership support from the EA – Jan-June 2012 - new web pages - an information pack for councils - research on indicators and resources • Launch of Climate Local 28th June 2012, mentioned in Ed Davey’s speech at the LGA Conference • Establish Climate Local Steering Group - composed of council representatives and partners

3. Climate Local – wider context NPPF Spending Cuts LGA restructure Localism MEDIA No new statutory duties “one in one out” GROWTH

4. LGA - funding outlook for councils LGA exists to support, promote and improve local government. Local government is facing the most radical changes, as well as the most significant opportunities, in a decade. We will fight local government’s corner and support councils through challenging times, focusing our efforts where we can have real impact.

5. LGA Priorities Priorities agreed in September 2012: • Growth - with campaigns to assert the council role in driving growth through housing supply, including affordable housing Climate Local – ‘a platform for local government to champion its leadership in helping communities to live within their environmental means’ • Waste – championing local innovation • Sustainability and Climate Change – ensuring councils have resources to invest in green energy, fuel poverty and resilience • Flooding - ensuring flood defences are properly planned and funded, and that flood damage is funded and insured against.

6. Climate Local isn't ... • Prescriptive – it allows for locally determined priorities • A bureaucratic process – it’s designed to be light touch • A central audit tool – the emphasis is on local accountability • Exclusive – all councils will be able to access tools and resources • A Spreadsheet you have to fill in • All about signing a piece of paper – it’s the commitments that are important and sharing of information Climate Local is … • Locally led - an umbrella initiative to bring together and share local action • Sector led – with a steering group of council reps • Flexible – for councils to set their own actions and priorities within a broad framework • Voluntary – no requirement for councils to sign • A Platform - for councils to use, shape, drive and make useful • A way for councils to help each other be ambitious on climate change – rather than being told by Government

7. Steps for signing up LGA has provided a template for annual progress and will look to develop LGA Inform tool Sign up to the commitment individually or as a partnership (refresh and review in Y2) Councils encouraged to engage and share via Knowledge Hub and their own websites LGA will provide a menu of actions and commitments, but LAs can also set their own

8. Headline Commitment • A headline commitment to address the risks and opportunities presented by a changing climate, in line with local priorities • 4 key elements: 1) Setting locally-owned and determined commitments and actions; 2) Publishing commitments, actions and progress; 3) Sharing learning from experiences and achievements with other councils; 4) Regularly refreshing commitments and actions to ensure they are current and continue to reflect local priorities. • Underpinned by locally agreed commitments and actions

10. Climate Local signatories Shire counties Lower tier and unitaries

12. The LGA’s offer • Provide support, resources and signposting service for councils • Over 2012-13 LGA will produce some dedicated materials for Cllr portfolio holders and ward councillors • Champion good practice through a range of different media, such as events, showcase reports, website features, and e-bulletins etc. • Spring 2013 LGA will launch a report to highlight council work under Climate Local including measures to save money, promote growth etc • Developing the Climate Local network as a forum to share learning amongst councils – open to all councils • Conference event in Spring 2013

13. How will it help Councils? Sir Merrick Cockell, Chairman of the LGA: “The aim of Climate Local will be to drive and champion council-led action on climate change in a way which will ensure local authorities can get the best results and value for money with the resources they have available.” Cllr Paul Carter, Leader of Kent County Council: “Climate Local is great opportunity for us to show leadership and practical action to cut energy bills for hard-pressed local families and businesses. We'll set local targets to address real priorities." Cllr Alan Clark, Nottingham City Council: “We are really proud to be signing this agreement and to build on Nottingham’s heritage and achievements in tackling climate change. We will continue to improve our own energy use, create affordable energy for the city and encourage the growth of ‘green’ jobs. Climate Local will work with local people to set local action plans to tackle climate change.”

14. The LGA’s Success Factors • LGA continue to resource and promote CL • Government recognises local authority action • Government supports local authority action; does not impose it • Councils feel CL is their resource and helps them improve and develop their local actions

15. Session 3: materials and support Questions for discussion groups • What do you think of the Climate Local resources developed so far? What is missing? • What other support will councils need to develop local commitments and actions? What role could Climate SW play? • What would you like to see covered via knowledge hub – and what could you share?