Briefings and responses

Councils want to work as partners with central government to tackle poverty and carbon reduction with a focus of eradicating poverty and maximising the use of waste heat from incinerators and data centres, for example. This can only be achieved by working with local leadership.

Councils want to work as partners with the National Energy System Operator to deliver a national energy system fit for purpose and fit for the future. Councils are well-placed to do this as place-shapers, convenors of communities and partners, delivery agents, commissioners, and owners of assets.

Defra invited views on proposals to reform the system for allocating grant funding for flooding and at the same time issued a call for evidence on devolution and local choice in flood risk management. The LGA’s response from July 2025 supports the proposed reforms and asks that local government has a direct role in prioritising projects for funding.

The LGA’s response supports proposals to streamline BNG but we want to retain key parts of the policy to protect the investment in environmental improvement.

Treasury and HMRC invited views on proposals to remove the lower rate of landfill tax in a consultation that closed in July 2025. The LGA’s response asks for a longer trajectory to phase out the lower rate or for the lower rate to be replaced by an intermediate rate. This would help councils manage any additional costs in the context of other financial pressures. We also note the risk of increased fly-tipping

Community BenefitsEnergy Infrastructure Planning ReformDepartment for Energy Security and Net Zero55 WhitehallLondonSW1A 2HP  Dear Community Benefits team,

Councils want to work as partners with central government to tackle poverty and climate change with a focus of eradicating poverty and transitioning to net zero. Net zero can only be achieved with decarbonisation happening in every place across the country and this will require local leadership.

MHCLG and Defra invited feedback on proposals to use funding from development to deliver environmental improvements. The proposals were issued on 15 December 2024 with a closing date of 21February 2025.

Fly-tipping is inexcusable. We are calling on Government to remove the cap on fixed penalty notices.