UK100 responds to ESNZ committee inquiry on Building support for the energy transition

In UK100's submission to the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee's inquiry on building support for the energy transition, we highlight how local authorities — as the most trusted tier of government on climate action — can effectively engage communities and build public consent for net zero measures.

UK100, the UK's only cross-party network of local leaders committed to ambitious climate action, has responded to the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee's inquiry on building support for the energy transition. Our submission draws on extensive work with local authorities across the country, including our pioneering Local Climate Engagement programme delivered in partnership with Involve, Climate Outreach, and other organisations.

Local authorities have a unique leadership role in driving the energy transition and are consistently rated as the most trusted tier of government on climate action. With 82% of UK emissions within the influence scope of local government, their success in building public consent for the transition is vital. However, they face significant barriers including misinformation, political polarisation, resource constraints, and delivery challenges.

Our response addresses the Committee's four questions, highlighting how effective public engagement can build understanding and support for the transition, alongside practical examples from our network of over 117 local leaders representing over 60% of the UK population.

Key recommendations include:

1. Supporting localised engagement through Britain's first-ever public participation strategy on net zero
2. Embracing deliberative approaches such as citizens' assemblies
3. Building capacity and time for effective engagement
4. Coordinating messaging across government departments

The submission showcases successful case studies including South Somerset's Parish Environment Champions Network, Derbyshire County Council's retrofit engagement work, and Camden's Citizens' Assembly on the climate crisis.

UK100 welcomes the Committee's inquiry and has offered to facilitate oral evidence from local authority leaders pioneering innovative approaches to energy transition engagement.