Three-quarters of UK councils have yet to start delivering on their net zero plans and almost all require more resources, regardless of progress so far.
Cluttons and sustainability specialists at AESG interviewed 50 representatives from 45 councils and found that 58% were still in the initial stages of their net zero strategies, while 11% had not yet started. Just over a quarter were in the “delivery” phase.
Asked about obstacles, 71% highlighted lack of financing, with “skills to implement” and “time” also cited.
Niall Keighron, sustainability practitioner at Cluttons, said: “It is clear that councils need a lot more support and resource – not just for implementing the strategies, but to help create them, understand what’s needed and accelerate towards delivery.
“The council representatives themselves state that finance, skills and time/resource are the biggest obstacles to overcome. By sharing expert insight and practical know-how we can work with councils to meet net zero challenges head on and supercharge the UK’s drive towards net zero.”
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