News

To mark Earth Day, the Local Government Association, which represents councils in England and Wales, is highlighting impressive new statistics that shine a light on the work councils are doing.

Non-recyclable materials being placed in the recycling bin contributed to more than half a million tonnes of household recycling being rejected at the point of sorting in 2019/20, the Local Government Association reveals today.

"Councils are leading the way tackling climate change and are committed to delivering green improvements, but have faced challenges with the competitive, short-term nature of grant funding, which requires councils to have sufficient staffing and capacity to apply."

We are pleased that the report supports the focus on place and giving local and regional organisations a key role in the delivery of net zero.

We are very pleased that the Committee has backed our call for a national fiscal and policy framework for addressing the climate emergency.

Fly-tipping is inexcusable. It is not only an eyesore for residents, but a serious public health risk, costing local taxpayers almost £50 million a year to clear up.

“Long-term funding would empower councils to be able to properly plan activity focused on the needs of local communities as a whole to support the delivery of net zero.”

The Met Office has issued an “amber warning” for parts of northern and central England today with people living in Yorkshire and the Humber, the North west, east Midlands and the east of England told to prepare for heavy rain and potential floods.

The LGA's latest research on the effects of climate change on local authorities shows that eight in ten councils have suffered climate-related incidents in the last five years - including over 23,000 properties in England being affected by flooding during this period

“Our recent research found that nearly 700,000 jobs would be needed in England’s low-carbon and renewable energy economy by 2030, rising to more than one million by 2050. An integrated and devolved approach to the development of skills is urgently needed and our Work Local proposals set out the steps for handing funding and powers over skills to local areas.”