Grid connection constraints? Now is the time for local authorities to shape the future of regional energy planning

As recently elected councillors continue to settle into their roles following the recent highs and lows of exhausting and exhilarating local and general election campaigns, they'll be looking to make their mark.

I have some advice for national, regional and local politicians alike: don’t sideline climate action in the process of tackling the cost-of-living crisis.

With the general election only three weeks away, the main parties have now published their manifesto plans. While climate change has not been a central focus of the campaign, it presents a significant economic opportunity that the UK cannot afford to ignore.

Wiltshire Council leader reinforces calls to end short-term, competitive funding for local energy efficiency measures at parliamentary committee hearing.

Energy Security and Net Zero Committee is taking evidence on local authority efforts to support improved household energy efficiency as part of its wider “Heating our homes” enquiry.

Alongside the need for a tailored approach to rural homes, witnesses highlighted the issue of local authority funding.

Party conference season is a whirlwind of receptions, fringe events and impassioned speeches as the political tribes gather to rally supporters and promote their policy agendas. For UK100, autumn conferences provide an unparalleled opportunity to bring together national decision-makers and local leaders and advocate for empowering local authority climate action.

Today, September 4, 2023, the House of Lords will vote on whether to back Net Zero local plans.

The recent High Court ruling on London's clean air zone (ULEZ) marks a significant point in our collective journey towards cleaner air. The decision, which dismissed a challenge to the legality of The Mayor of London's decision to expand the scheme next month, reaffirms the importance of local decision-making and maintaining commitment to the fight against air pollution.

In June 2023, UK100, acting as the secretariat for the APPG on Sustainable Finance, convened a policy roundtable in the House of Lords. This gathering brought together private finance experts, local leaders, and parliamentarians to discuss de-risking local climate finance. The discussion highlighted key opportunities and challenges for local authorities seeking investment for Net Zero projects. Below are some of the top takeaways for council leaders.

Below is UK100 Interim Chief Executive Jason Torrance's speech from the Zemo 20:Zero Clean Air Day conference at City Hall in London on 15 June 2023. Check against delivery.