Join UK100 and more to explore environmental ambition and the new English Devolution Bill.
Devolution in England is gathering pace. Several new deals were announced recent budgets including new county level 2 deals (without elected mayors). The new English Devolution Bill set out in the King’s Speech in July promises to simplify an ‘inconsistent, deal-based and patchwork approach” and give further powers to more areas.
It is clear that this level of governance is increasingly important in tackling the climate and nature crises. Most metro mayors will soon become the Responsible Authority to draw up Local Nature Recovery Strategies. Some newer deals include specific resourcing or powers relating to net zero targets and ‘green growth’ and all have the potential to improve public transport and green skills.
As we look ahead to the new Devolution bill, we will discuss the progress that metro mayors have made on climate and nature, the opportunities that new deals will bring, and to highlight the national resourcing, regulatory and policy change that could help accelerate local climate action at this level. We will also tackle the question of how to ensure that local authorities outside of areas with devolution deals are not left behind.
Speakers include:
- Chair: Louise Marix Evans, (author of the Climate Change Committee’s 2021 report on local government’s role in net zero delivery)
- Peter Moore, co-chair of the Blueprint Coalition and member of the ADEPT Climate Change Board
- Cllr Tom Ross, GMCA Green City Lead
- Cllr Marissa Heath, Cabinet Member for Environment, Surrey County Council
- Christopher Hammond, Chief Executive Officer, UK100
- Victoria Marsom, Head of England team, Friends of the Earth