Unlocking Change: How London Councils Can Harness £130M in Unused Climate Funds for Local Sustainability

London councils are currently holding on to over £130 million that could be used for local climate action, according to a report from The Guardian. Since the carbon offset fund was set up in 2016, developers have contributed more than £170 million. However, the 33 councils in London have only managed to spend about £40 million collectively. Many councils claim they lack the resources and expertise to allocate these funds effectively.

This money is meant to support projects focused on reducing carbon emissions in local areas. It could improve energy efficiency in council housing, fund renewable energy initiatives, or provide community grants for projects like tree planting or food growing. Unfortunately, spending varies widely. Some councils have fully utilized their funds, while others have barely touched theirs.

Several councils have indicated that around £15 million of their unspent funds are earmarked for future projects but haven’t yet been used. The Greater London Authority reports that councils are set to receive an additional £150 million from developers.

Zack Polanski, deputy leader of the Green party, criticized this slow progress. He pointed out that many Londoners are stuck in uncomfortable living conditions while funds sit idle. He emphasized the responsibility of Mayor Sadiq Khan for the lack of a clear plan to achieve net-zero emissions.

Tower Hamlets, Islington, and Westminster are the councils that have received the most carbon offset funds. While Tower Hamlets spent over 25% of its allocation, Islington led the way by utilizing around 65% of its funds. This raises questions about why some councils are lagging behind.

Isaac Beevor from Climate Emergency UK echoed Polanski’s concerns, stating that councils need to accelerate their climate initiatives. He pointed out that unspent funds mean emissions from new developments remain unaddressed.

City Hall has acknowledged the situation, claiming they’re in talks with councils to expedite project delivery. However, they also noted the challenge of having suitable projects ready for funding.

London Councils indicated that councils face obstacles in utilizing these funds. The current cost of carbon offsetting has also decreased since it was initially set at £95 per tonne. While most councils follow this guideline, a few, like Merton, have raised their rates to encourage developers to reduce emissions directly rather than relying on offsets.

Merton council, known for introducing the “Merton Rule” in 2003, now charges developers £300 per tonne. Other councils are also raising their fees to push for a shift toward direct emission reductions.

Interestingly, many boroughs declared climate emergencies in 2019 or 2020, committing to ambitious net-zero targets. However, a recent survey found two-thirds of councils are uncertain about meeting those goals, with many citing bureaucratic challenges.

In short, there’s significant potential for spending these funds in a way that genuinely benefits the environment and local communities. As councils strive toward their climate goals, the challenge remains to effectively utilize available resources for meaningful action.

For more insights into London’s climate response and council actions, check the latest report from the Greater London Authority.

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