Tackling Climate Change through Communities

Kindly Supported by British Gas

British Gas

Climate Change represents a major challenge for government and society, especially when combined with the pressures on the UK’s energy supply, which further necessitate more efficient energy use. The issue of fuel poverty also remains a pressing concern, with the number of households spending more than 10% of their income on energy bills having doubled during the past decade.

In light of these problems, the coalition government is planning to introduce the Energy Security and Green Economy Bill over the course of the 2010/11 Parliamentary calendar. This will include a ‘Green Deal’ worth up to £90 billion designed to offer energy efficiency improvements to every home in the land, helping households to reduce energy bills and consequently, their carbon footprint.

As the tier of government closest to people’s everyday lives, councils can play a vital role in helping their community to become more energy efficient. Equally, they also face significant responsibilities. If the Green Deal is to be successful, it must include provision for local authorities and social housing landlords to work with energy suppliers to ensure that social housing tenants are able to benefit from the scheme. However the proposed legislation is currently unclear as to how councils, housing associations and registered social landlords will be included.

NLGN’s research will look at what measures are necessary to ensure that the Green Deal encompasses social housing in its remit, and what role is required for local government in its implementation.


If you are interested in participating in this research or for further information contact Luke Hildyard


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