The lack of support for councils in this Government’s Autumn Statement will see rising needs unmet and an estimated £4 billion shortfall by 2024.
Devolution deals are heralded as a success by some, but our council leaders are very disappointed at the lack of representation by district councils, independent councillors, and councillors from smaller parties within the new structures.
This takes power away from local areas, making us increasingly centralised. We should not be forced to reorganise and reduce local representation to have the funding and powers we need to deliver effective and inclusive local services and place shaping.
We may well be circumspect about the focus in the Chancellor’s speech on foreign investment instead of opportunities for local investment by local people.
For example, we are seeing swathes of solar panels bought by overseas companies on our farmland, generating money for governments and companies overseas and impacting on local land use.
“We need the right green energy solutions in the right places, supported by local people”
What we need are opportunities for local people to invest and generate local income in green energy generation.
I am a strong advocate of the need to move to net zero as quickly as possible, but we need the right green energy solutions in the right places, supported by local people and generating local wealth.
I am honoured to be showcasing your good initiatives at the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2023 (COP28) in Dubai and I look forward to sharing that experience in the next edition of first.