Devolution Bill update: unlocking local climate and nature action

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill proposes major reforms to local government, including creating new Strategic Authorities and shifting powers from Westminster to local areas across England.

Ahead of Report Stage in the Lords next week, Peers for the Planet’s @Alasdair Johnston highlights where Peers are focusing their efforts to strengthen the Bill.

Climate and nature duty

Firstly, there is a cross-party proposal to place a climate and nature duty on the Strategic Authorities. These large authorities will be tasked with setting out long term plans and policies for the future of their areas, and it would be a major omission if this did not include a requirement to meet our legally binding climate and nature targets.

It would help create a level playing field, so that every area plays its part in delivering progress - not just those already showing a high level of ambition. It would also give the Strategic Authorities the certainty they need to plan, invest, and make that support local needs and create local opportunities.

The proposal is backed by more than 500+ councillors, 20 council leaders, and a quarter of climate cabinet members via a campaign led by @Climate Emergency UK

Health inequalities duty 

Many Peers have welcomed the proposed Health Inequalities Duty in the Bill, as well as the government’s recognition of environmental factors, such as access to nature and clean water, as key determinants of health.

However, there remains an opportunity to go further. Drawing on advice from academic institutions and subject experts, Peers have tabled amendments to strengthen the link between the Bill’s listed health determinants and the latest evidence on the underlying drivers of health inequalities.

These amendments would ensure that local authorities explicitly consider a wider set of factors, including:

• access to low-carbon energy;

• exposure to water pollution;

• resilience to flooding and heatwaves;

• the ability of communities to meaningfully shape local decisions affecting their health and wellbeing;

• and dietary risks, including the consumption of ultra-processed foods.

With thanks to @Yorkshire & Humber Climate Coalition for their support on this work.

Energy

Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs) are seen as essential by many for delivering net zero locally, yet it is unclear how many areas have these strategies in place, with Peers pressing the government for greater clarity on this. 

Peers are also calling for these plans to be mandatory, ensuring every community has a clear pathway and none are left behind in the energy transition. This would help ensure that every local area can benefit from new local energy sources, more jobs and cleaner air, and help the UK reach net zero in a joined-up and coherent way.

Community growing

Finally, access to land for food growing and enhancing local biodiversity remains a postcode lottery for many.

Peers have therefore put forward practical proposals to improve access, including requiring local authorities to maintain a public list of land in public ownership and encouraging “meanwhile” leases so community groups can use vacant land for growing or environmental projects.

This has been a key part of the ‘Right to Grow’ campaign, which Peers will continue to support. With thanks to @incredible edible for your support.

What’s next?

As the Bill moves to Report Stage in the Lords next week, Peers will continue making the case for stronger, clearer duties, so local leaders can deliver for climate, nature and healthier communities.

We’ll keep you posted on further developments.