The Centre for Climate Engagement (CCE) at Hughes Hall and the British Academy convened a high-level roundtable to explore how governance between national and local government might be better aligned to achieve the UK’s climate and energy goals.
The closed-door, invitation-only discussion took place under the Chatham House rule and brought together senior representatives from local authorities, academia, consultancy, and policy networks. It provided a forum for informed, solution-focused discussion on how to better align local and national governance in the net zero transition.
Building on the British Academy’s report Governance to Accelerate Net Zero and the Centre for Climate Engagement’s paper Aligning Local and National Governance for Net Zero – What is the Potential for Locally Determined Contributions, the event posed key questions, encouraged constructive debate, and explored potential pathways to strengthen alignment and accelerate delivery.
Senior leadership teams within local authorities were well-represented at the event, and it was clear that they hold powerful, pivotal influence in UK policymaking. Motivating them to act as agents of change is essential, as local authorities have the unique ability to mobilise upwards to government, collaborate regionally across boundaries, and drive impact locally. They can unlock billions in potential through their own operations, procurement, and partnerships, while engaging residents, businesses, and landowners—each contributing influence, resources, and purchasing power to deliver systemic change.
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