Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending powers available to local authorities to help deliver the Government's target of net zero emissions by 2050.

All levels of Government have a role to play in meeting our net zero goal, and local authorities are rising to this challenge. In August MHCLG published the Planning for the Future consultation, which aims to ensure the planning system supports our efforts to combat climate change, by ensuring the National Planning Policy Framework targets those areas where a reformed planning system can most effectively address climate change mitigation and adaptation and facilitate environmental improvements.

Last month the Government announced plans for a Net Zero Strategy that will set out our vision for transitioning to a net zero economy by 2050, making the most of new growth and employment opportunities across the UK. Councils are well positioned to align local needs, opportunities and resources to deliver strategic interventions at all scales. We are working closely with BEIS on the development of the Net Zero strategy, to ensure it reflects this unique role.

We are also working with the Committee on Climate Change, as well as local authorities and other expert organisations to determine what steps can be taken to help local authorities ensure that local delivery matches local ambition.