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<p>98 per cent of local authorities are taking action to reduce emissions from their areas, or from their own estate. Councils are vital agents for change, able to bring together local people and local opportunities, through effective use of planning, housing and waste management powers. My Department is engaging with councils and the Local Government Association, as well as other departments in Westminster, to ensure this vital role is supported appropriately by central government policy.</p><p>This year’s proposed local government finance settlement for 2020-21 will provide access to the largest year-on-year increase in spending power in a decade, an increase of £2.9 billion or 4.4 per cent in real terms. Local authorities are able to spend non-ringfenced funding as they see fit to meet local priorities, including reducing their carbon footprint, and are accountable to their local electorate for their spending.</p> |