Fifth Report - Local government and the path to net zero

The government acknowledges the importance of local government's influence on greenhouse gas emissions and expresses commitment to working more closely with local areas to harness local action to deliver national net zero ambitions.

The government acknowledges the committee's observation by clarifying DLUHC's defined role as stewarding the local government finance and planning systems, and advising BEIS on local engagement for net zero delivery.

The government states that local authorities already have significant spending power for net zero and reiterates its existing intention from the Net Zero Strategy to explore simplifying and consolidating funding streams to give more certainty for longer-term programmes, without committing to increase the overall level of long-term funding.

The government states local authorities already have significant spending power for net zero and recognizes the importance of longer-term funding. It reiterates its intention to explore simplifying and consolidating net zero funding streams and to work across departments to boost investment certainty, but does not present a new specific plan.

The government highlights existing National Planning Policy Framework provisions and recent updates that support low-carbon planning and local energy efficiency standards. It states it is considering future planning reforms and will review the NPPF to support local authorities in achieving net zero, but does not commit to a statutory requirement for Local Plans to address carbon emissions or to the requested £500 million funding for the planning system.

The government acknowledges the observation by confirming its ongoing consultation to phase out high-carbon fossil fuels in off-grid homes during the 2020s, outlining financial support through the Home Upgrade Grant, and detailing future consultations on boiler efficiency and hydrogen-ready boilers.