In collaboration with UK100, Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse secured a Backbench Business debate in the House of Commons on the role of local government in achieving Net Zero following the release of the comprehensive "Powers in Place: The handbook of local authority Net Zero powers” report.

In the debate, the significant role of local authorities in achieving the UK's Net Zero target and the hurdles they face were extensively discussed. The debate highlighted the importance of local understanding in policy implementation, and the need for additional support from the central government​.

Wera Hobhouse MP advocated for local authorities, stating they are best placed to understand their communities and deliver policies suitable for their areas. However, she noted, these communities are often let down by the central government's prevention of local authorities from decarbonising according to their needs. Highlighting the significant steps taken by UK100 members, such as Bath & North East Somerset, she emphasised the need for central government support for such progressive policies. Wera also called for a new net zero delivery authority to cut through policy blockages, facilitating the devolution of powers and resources to local authorities​.

Selaine Saxby MP lauded UK100's "Powers in Place" report and expressed hope that the Minister would consider its recommendations, particularly those concerning more strategic, needs-based, long-term funding in rural environments​.

Janet Daby MP praised the efforts of Lewisham Council, a UK100 member, for their actions including tree planting and increasing food waste recycling rates. She mentioned the cost associated with Lewisham’s climate action plan and the need for the government to resource local councils so that they can deliver on Net Zero.

Jim Shannon MP highlighted the need for ideas to decarbonise public transport in rural areas, calling for improved continuity and regularity of buses to incentivise people to use them over personal vehicles​.

Kerry McCarthy MP, responding for the opposition, stressed the importance of a place-based approach to net zero and the significant role of local authorities in achieving this. She highlighted that under a Labour Government, the role of local authorities would be recognised and valued, and they would work together to deliver a green prosperity plan of capital investment​.

Responding for the government, Amanda Solloway MP acknowledged the crucial role of local authorities in delivering net zero and confirmed the government's commitment to simplifying local net zero funding. She mentioned the exploration of devolution deals in England as a potential approach​.

Many MPs, including Afzal Khan, highlighted the funding problem, stating that for effective and efficient net zero plans to be met, the government must make funding more certain and long term​​. Rushanara Ali MP emphasised the need for large-scale funding to address the challenges facing local areas, particularly in housing and bringing homes up to decent standards.

Caroline Lucas MP underscored the policy barriers, describing them as "Kafkaesque". She pointed out that local authorities need the powers and the funding to modernise their public transport networks​​.

Overall, the debate was a strong testament to the role local government plays in delivering net zero. The support for UK100’s recommendations - better powers, a policy framework, a simplified funding landscape, and an overarching authority to oversee delivery - was broadly welcomed​.