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“For air quality plans to be successful, they need to be underpinned by local flexibility and sufficient funding, while issues around resourcing and capacity also need to be addressed."

Tougher sentences are needed to deter fly-tipping, which latest figures shows costs councils £58 million a year to clear up.

“We are keen to work with government and the waste industry to consider the impact of this ban, which will lead to new costs for councils as it will restrict where they can send recyclable material."

“Councils want to increase recycling rates. Clearer labelling and increased charges for hard to recycle products would help councils, manufacturers and the public be part of a vital recycling revolution."

“Councils are determined to crack down on the problem, including installing CCTV at fly-tipping hotspots which has led to successful prosecutions."

National climate change expectations and air quality targets are unlikely to be met unless councils are given long-term funding, devolved powers and easier access to complex government funding pots.

“To further tackle air pollution, the Government needs to use the Queen’s Speech to give councils more powers, like the ability for them all to enforce moving traffic offences."

Responding to a report by Friends of the Earth on climate-friendly councils, Cllr David Renard, Environment spokesman for the Local Government Association, said: “Councils are already doing significant work to protect the environment, to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change and to address issues that affect the environment and the health of our communities. “This includes tackling harmful air pollution by devising clean air zones and protecting at-risk areas outside schools, encouraging the use of electric vehicles through promoting recharging points, and investing in

"Given the impact of funding pressures on vital local regulatory services over the past decade, councils need to be given the right funding and powers so they can continue to protect the public, reduce demand for services and save money for the taxpayer."

National climate change targets are unlikely to be met unless councils are given long-term funding, devolved powers and easier access to complex government funding pots.