Local councils fail to set emissions targets

Less than a third of local authorities in England have medium to long-term targets to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in their area, according to Friends of the Earth.

A survey of all of England’s council’s, conducted by the environment group, has revealed that just 28% of the 354 councils have targets to cut emissions between 2015–2035 and only a quarter confirm that targets for 2020 are in place.

Furthermore, the results show that of those authorities with targets in place to cut emissions just 22 are aiming to lower emissions by 40% - the minimum recommended by the Committee on Climate change.

Friends of the Earth's Liz Hutchins said: “Our research shows the voluntary approach to tackling climate change locally is not working – while some councils are leading impressive action to cut carbon, most are being left behind.”

The news came just weeks after the Richard Kemp, vice-chair of the Local Government Authority (LGA), and environment secretary Chris Huhne signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing that the LGA work in partnership with DECC to tackle climate change.

The document set how the LGA and DECC will be working together to encourage councils to reduce carbon emissions from their own operations and from the homes, businesses and transport infrastructure in their areas.