Publications

Councils are critical in preparing people and places to the impacts of the changing climate. As leaders in communities, they deliver hundreds of essential services to protect public health, manage roads, prepare for floods, and provide open space. Nationally we are not sufficiently prepared for the impacts of climate change, and central government must prioritise its work with local government to close this gap. This research report explores local authorities' preparedness for climate adaptation.

Using the principles of Work Local, this policy position sets out how this relationship could operate, bringing together net zero and the skills system to align and collectively develop the green skills and jobs that are needed.

Most local authorities already have some experience of renewable energy generation, usually through building mounted solar PV systems.

This interactive document has been designed to support councils in mapping the levers local regulatory services they have at their disposal to help deliver net zero ambitions.

Councils in England are taking innovative steps to tackle climate change, including declaring climate emergencies, developing action plans and rolling out demonstrator projects. This report explores the governance arrangements in five case study countries, to understand how they structure and govern their response to climate change. The report draws out key insights and recommendations for England.

As the UK nears the next general election, it is important to capture local council officer’s views of how central government is supporting their authorities. This report will provide details on officers’ views of how central government is assisting council’s climate change policy and the delivery of net zero locally.

This report highlights challenges in recruiting, developing and retaining staff across the different environmental health specialisms, and increasing pressures facing environmental health teams.

Local councils across England provide valued collection services to businesses either directly or indirectly through support and advice. In this report we will review the legislative context and potential for businesses to reduce their environmental impact.

Achieving net zero and circular economy goals requires a transformative approach to how we produce, consume, and manage waste.

In January 2025, the Local Government Association (LGA) sent an online survey to Directors of Environments within single-tier and county councils in England to explore the impact of the costs and viability of different options for local government to mitigate the potential cost to the sector of extending the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to waste from January 2028.