The one-to-one support programme aims to help local authorities reduce area-wide carbon emissions and demonstrate local leadership in addressing climate change. It is currently helping thirty local authorities reduce carbon emissions and is aiming to assist more in 2008/09. You can download the application form and guidance notes here as well as details of staffing resources needed from the local authority.
The programme works on a seven stage process that takes place over two years to develop, implement and review a climate change action plan. The free service will help you:
- Tackle climate change and reduce your authority area's carbon emissions
- Develop clear, robust and achievable carbon reduction targets across sectors
- Have access to an expert consultant who will help you motivate individuals and build commitment throughout the organisation
- Understand and act upon climate change indicators within the new local government performance framework
- Demonstrate your leadership to the local community
Local authorities play a key role in tackling climate change . Policies, such as the Local Government White Paper propose that councils should be taking a lead in reducing the UK's contribution to climate change. The new Local Government Performance Framework, assessed annually through Comprehensive Area Assessment, includes 14 indicators under the heading of environmental sustainability, including:
- Per capita reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in the local authority area
- Carbon dioxide reductions from local authority operations
- Tackling fuel poverty
These new indicators make the mitigation of climate change one of the key responsibilities for local authorities. Our intensive one-to-one support programme will enable you to address these areas and will help you perform better in the Comprehensive Area Assessment by showing concrete evidence to the Audit Commission of your council's commitment to tackling climate change. It will also provide crucial support in helping you deliver on Local Area Agreement carbon reduction targets.
How to apply
You can apply to the programme at any time of year but the commencement of the programme is different depending on region/nation:
- June 2008 onwards: London, North East, Northern Ireland and the North West
- Oct-Dec 2008: West Midlands, South East, South West, East, East Midlands, Yorkshire and Humberside.
- The programme also runs in Wales. Please contact our Welsh team on 02920 468 340 for further details
There are limited places in each area; if all places are filled your application will be deferred to the waiting list.
Here you can download:
For more information email the team