67% of local authorities are not confident they will hit their net zero targets, a survey by the Local Government Association (LGA) has found.
The new polling also showed that 60% of councils have been put off bidding for net zero funding because of the time and resources needed to write bids. While around 25% of councils surveyed said they are generally unsuccessful in bidding for net zero funds.
83% of local authorities surveyed said they are concerned by an “excessive bureaucratic burden” involved with national funding pots.
The LGA has called on all political parties to back local climate action, which it said can achieve net zero by 2050 for “half the cost” of a national approach and deliver “three times” the financial returns.
The survey also showed council concerns over the government’s long-term net zero plan. Around 90% of local authorities do not think there is a sufficient financing plan in place to deliver net zero by 2050, with 73% saying the “bureaucracy and uncertainty of government funding” is unattractive to private investors.
Councils are leading transformative projects across the country, but their innovation is being strangled by the national approach to the transition to net zero.
The survey also found councils have little or no confidence in the approach to achieving net zero homes (85%), net zero transport (80%), and in achieving net zero in a way that is fair and inclusive to everyone (95%).
Cllr Darren Rodwell, environment spokesperson for the LGA commented: “Councils are leading transformative projects across the country, but their innovation is being strangled by the national approach to the transition to net zero.
“We must rise to the challenge of climate change. With an impact on over 80% of emissions from their area – from transport and housing to renewable energy, government will not reach net zero without empowering councils to deliver local climate action in every village, town and city.
“With the right support, local areas could deliver net zero quicker and for less money, while boosting the local economy and ensuring local people benefit.”
