Local authorities and climate change obligations

Table of contents

• At a high level, what are local authority obligations and powers in relation to climate change?
• General power of competence (GPC)
• Local plans
• Do these obligations differ depending on the kind of local authority, eg size and location?
• Greater London Authority Act 1999 (as amended)
• Welsh local authorities
• Combined authorities
• What funding is currently or is in the future going to be available and is it enough?
• What powers do local authorities have to raise further funding?
• Other than statutory obligations, what opportunities are there for local authorities to further climate change, eg in local plans, LEPs or in relation to buildings, transport, energy, procurement and waste?

Article summary

Local Government analysis: Helen Randall, partner, and Henna Malik, solicitor, at Trowers & Hamlins LLP discuss what the local authority obligations and powers are in relation to climate change, how these may vary based on the size of the authority and what funding is available. They also analyse the opportunities local authorities have to help reduce the effects of climate change.