Local Power in Action offers UK100 members tailored support to accelerate their progress towards Net Zero.
Councils across Gloucestershire agree to work together on transport decarbonisation, facilitated by UK100's Local Power in Action programme

How does it work?

Local Power in Action works with a selection of councils and deploys political consultants known as Net Zero Pathfinders.

Net Zero Pathfinders work with the council by supporting leaders, cabinet members, and senior council officers to overcome the political, organisational, and engagement challenges they face in implementing Net Zero. 

Local Power in Action is a partnership model between Net Zero Pathfinders, councils, and the rest of the UK100 network, providing knowledge-sharing events to share best practices.

Here's what Local Power in Action participants have said:

“Local Power in Action has provided Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council with a sustained programme of consultancy, advice and support around delivering our ambitious zero-carbon transport plans. The knowledge and expertise of our pathfinder consultant has been of real benefit in helping us anticipate and address challenges and align stakeholders behind the schemes. The programme has also proved invaluable in linking us with other councils who have rolled out similar programmes to our own so that we can learn from their experiences.”

Susannah Wintersgill, Director of Communications, Strategy and Insight, Oxfordshire County Council

“UK100’s Local Power in Action pathfinder provided high-quality political analysis, supported and influenced effective decision making, and added rigour and confidence during the period we were engaged…It has also become clear that there has been a strong legacy, particularly in the way directors and politicians appreciate and articulate one and others’ perspectives and challenges.”

Cllr Adam Clarke, Deputy Mayor, Leicester City Council

Does the Local Power in Action programme cost anything?

No, we just need organisational and political commitment from your council.

Who can apply to be a part of the Local Power in Action programme?

Leaders, cabinet members and senior officers in councils with a UK100 membership who would like tailored support for a challenging project, especially those involving local energy, energy efficiency, planning and retrofits. 

How to apply?

For future applications, please keep an eye on this webpage and our members newsletter.

Local Power in Action FAQs

1. What kind of projects are appropriate?

We welcome any application based on an ambitious project focusing on a Net Zero transition. Successful projects from previous programmes have focused on aligning transport and housing plans within different tier councils, behavioural change and zero-carbon transport interventions. We will consider all applications, however we are particularly interested in those involving: Air Quality, Housing retrofit and Transport interventions.

2. How much time will this project require from the council?

The project will be delivered across a 9 month period from September/October through to June 2024. Councils will need to be committed and willing to resource the project, working with the pathfinder to ensure the best outcome for the project. Regular time commitments required by participants will involve: Frequent communication and collaboration with the Net Zero Pathfinder, Drafting a Memorandum of Understanding and gateway project plans, Quarterly meetings with UK100, Speaking at UK100 knowledge sharing events. However, the overall time and capacity required for delivery will vary according to the project, the council, and the challenges and opportunities involved.

3. Who's involved in the application process?

Leaders, cabinet members, and senior officers at the relevant council will need to be involved from application through to delivery. 

Shortlisted applicants will have an interview with a councillor and senior officer. 

Then the relevant councils will be responsible for implementing the delivery, including ensuring that relevant representatives are informed and attend quarterly project meetings with UK100, wherever possible.

4. What do Net Zero Pathfinders do?

They provide advice and expertise to councils who want to achieve Net Zero, but they aren’t embedded in them.

Local authorities who have applied to participate in the Local Power in Action programme direct the work of the Net Zero Pathfinders, but ultimately, only democratically-elected leaders can decide if any of the recommendations are implemented. 

5. Can we apply if we're not a UK100 member?

This programme is only available for UK100 members. To make an enquiry about joining please contact membership@uk100.org

6. How will we know if our application has been successful?

We aim to inform all shortlisted candidates by the 7th July with interviews commencing the week of 10th July. All unsuccessful applicants will also be informed at this stage.

7. What help can we get if our application is not successful for Local Power in Action?

We expect the programme to be heavily oversubscribed, so unfortunately we are unable to support every applicant. However, we aim to secure further funding to offer a third opportunity to take part in this programme in 2024. In the meantime we offer an array of learning and networking events for members across the year, all of which are advertised on our events page and in our members newsletter so keep an eye out and join us if you're interested. We also always welcome ideas and suggestions for additional support we can offer so if there is an event, topic, or issue you’d like to discuss with us, get in touch at membership@uk100.org

Want to know more? Email membership@uk100.org.