Central government “must prioritise” work with local government to prepare for climate change impact: LGA
The Local Government Association (LGA) has called on the Government to introduce a duty for organisations to “cooperate and work in partnerships with councils” to tackle the impacts of climate change.
According to a new survey conducted by the LGA, risks to people’s health from heatwaves is the “greatest priority” climate concern for councils.
In its full report on Accelerating adaptation action, the LGA highlighted the different responsibilities across county and district councils.
It recommended the provision of a framework for ‘adaptation planning’ for local authorities to follow, adding that “a joined-up approach is needed, and this needs to come from central government”.
The LGA argued that clarity on authority and accountability across central and local government would “drive productivity and reduce duplication”.
Further recommendations for the Government in the report included:
- assigning a clear set of roles and responsibilities for the different councils, and services, Local Resilience Forums, statutory undertakers, landowners and central government departments
- specifying sub-national/regional partnership structures/framework bringing together councils to provide strategic and operational delivery of actions
- providing clear identification and powers in relation to specific risks (these may not all be council owned e.g. surface water flooding)
- working with Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) to identify opportunities and influence local adaptation action.
The report also found that councils’ relationships with external stakeholders range “significantly”. The LGA noted: “Some are struggling to engage, or simply don’t engage with the likes of utility providers, or local land owners, whereas others have good working relationships.”
The report said that local authorities have limited powers to effect change in some areas, including flooding and building design.
To help remedy this, the LGA recommended “regional partnership working”, and the introduction of a duty for organisations (such as landowners, water companies, Distribution Network Operators) to cooperate and work in partnerships with councils.
More than 300 councils have now declared a climate emergency, and many are assessing risks and developing plans, said the LGA.
Cllr Linda Taylor, environment spokesperson for the LGA, said: “The impacts of climate change are going to intensify into the future and councils are warning people and places will be left increasingly vulnerable without further preparation. Councils need support to prepare their communities for impacts of climate change now.
“The extreme heat we all experienced last summer is just one of many effects we expect to reoccur, the year before that we had significant flash flooding. Councils need the funding and resources to adequately reduce the risks to lives and livelihoods.
“As the leaders of local areas, councils are at the forefront of local climate action, they must be made able to protect their residents.”
Lottie Winson
