As Liberal Democrats, we know the climate crisis is one of the defining challenges of our time. Councils have a crucial role in meeting it, whether it’s retrofitting homes, investing in active and public transport, supporting the green economy, or leading local partnerships to build resilience and cut emissions. But too often, we are expected to lead on climate without the tools or powers to do so.
In my role as Deputy Chair of the LGA’s Local Infrastructure and Net Zero Board, I’ve been working to change that. Last November, I called for the Board to explore how a statutory duty for councils to act on climate change could support and strengthen our leadership. But I also made clear: any new duty must be matched by the funding, resources and powers required to deliver. Legal responsibilities must enable, not constrain.
Following that work, and in partnership with organisations such as UK100, ADEPT, the Climate Change Committee and others, the LGA launched an open consultation in April to seek views on whether councils should have legal responsibilities on climate change—and if so, what they should look like.
There is strong support for change. A recent UK100 survey found that 88% of councils back the introduction of a statutory Net Zero duty—provided it comes with adequate support. Councils influence over a third of UK emissions but lack a clear, consistent legal framework to act. That must change.
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