Independent Net Zero Review - CCN Response

This document sets out our response to the government’s Net Zero Review, drawing on evidence from county and county unitary authorities.

We highlight that rural and county areas face distinct challenges in delivering net zero, including higher transport emissions and older housing stock capacity. While councils are leading groundbreaking, place‑based action on decarbonisation, progress in counties has been slower than in urban area due to those factors.

We argue that local government is central to achieving net zero, given its influence over the majority of territorial emissions, but stresses that national policy and funding frameworks must better reflect local variation.

Without targeted support for county areas, the UK risks falling short of its climate commitments.

Recommendations to government include:

• Provide clear national direction on local government’s role, responsibilities and powers in delivering net zero.
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• Introduce long‑term, flexible funding for climate action, aligned to the scale of emissions and geography in county areas.
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• Move away from short‑term, competitive bidding towards sustained funding streams, including revenue for staffing and skills.
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• Address rural transport, housing retrofit and grid capacity as priority barriers to decarbonisation.
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• Invest in skills and supply chains needed to deliver net zero at scale across rural and county economies.