This section addresses how combined authorities can collaborate with others to improve their own climate action and to support others in the area to decarbonise. More than half of the emissions cuts needed to reach net zero rely on people and businesses taking up low-carbon solutions, and combined authorities can work with those in their local area to enable those solutions.
You’ll find more options, like the ability to compare your council’s Scorecard with other councils, and see a more granular breakdown of how they did on each question of the Scorecards.
Has the combined authority published a climate action plan with SMART targets?
Criteria met if the combined authority has published a climate action plan that covers the area and includes references to SMART targets since September 2015.
8 out of 11combined authority councils got full marks for this question.
Has the combined authority published an up to date and easy-to-read annual report on their Climate Action Plan?
Points awarded for each of the following criteria: - The combined authority has published an annual report since 1st January 2022 - The annual report is easy-to-read - The annual report includes reporting on progress towards the council's climate action plan SMART targets.
6 out of 11combined authority councils got full marks for this question.
Has the combined authority commissioned, written and published a study of available decarbonisation pathways for their area?
Criteria met if the combined authority has commissioned, written and published a study of different decarbonisation pathways and scenarios to reach net zero carbon across the region by the local area-wide target.
5 out of 11combined authority councils got full marks for this question.
Has the combined authority lobbied the government for more funding, powers and climate resources?
Criteria met if the combined authority has sent a letter or had a meeting with national or devolved governments calling for the government to take further action, or asking for councils and combined authorities to receive more funding, powers and climate resources to take climate action.
8 out of 11combined authority councils got full marks for this question.
Has the combined authority or its mayor publicly called for more climate action from the Government or other organisations?
Two tier criteria Point awarded for signing or supporting at least 2 open letters or public statements, including those led by other combined authorities or organisations.
A further point will be awarded if the combined authority or its mayor has led at least one open letter or public statement.
6 out of 11combined authority councils got full marks for this question.
Is the combined authority working with external partners or other councils to lobby national government for climate action, or to learn about and share best practice council climate action?
Two tier criteria Point awarded for membership or contributing case studies for at least one of the following organisations, with a further point available for membership or contributing case studies for three or more of the following organisations.
Membership organisations: - UK100 - ADEPT - Blueprint Coalition - ICLEI - Carbon Neutral Cities - C40 Cities - Carbon Disclosure Project (including submitting to the CDP since 2019)
Case studies: - Friends of the Earth & Ashden case studies - UK100 case studies
6 out of 11combined authority councils got full marks for this question.
Does the combined authority have an on-going way for residents to influence the implementation of the combined authority's Climate Action Plan?
Two tier criteria Point awarded if the council has established a way for residents to influence the implementation of the council's climate action. This may be through: - a community engagement group - introducing community, resident or activist representation on a council climate change committee/group - convening or using a local climate action network to improve the implementation of their climate action plan - broader forms of community engagement work such as a series of workshops across the area for different groups of residents.
A further point will be awarded if there is an overarching framework such as a dedicated climate public engagement plan to inform this work.
2 out of 11combined authority councils got full marks for this question.
Does the combined authority's ongoing engagement with residents include those most affected by climate change and the transition?
Two tier criteria Point awarded if the combined authority's ongoing engagement (under 5a) specifically aims to engage those most affected by climate change and climate action policies.
A further point available if the combined authority's climate action plan has undergone an equalities impact assessment to identify who is most affected by climate change and climate action policies.
2 out of 11combined authority councils got full marks for this question.
Has the combined authority supported a research project into climate action in their region?
Criteria met if the combined authority has funded or commissioned area-wide research to increase understanding of the local challenge and support constituent councils.
7 out of 11combined authority councils got full marks for this question.
Has the combined authority created a climate change commission or similar?
Criteria met if the combined authority has created a climate commission or other similar body, to bring together experts and stakeholders, provide independant advice and guide climate policy in the area.
6 out of 11combined authority councils got full marks for this question.
Is the combined authority working in partnership with local businesses to encourage decarbonisation?
Criteria met if the combined authority has 3 or more schemes to provide free support or free tailored advice to businesses in the local area to decarbonise, including through collaborative measures with local businesses, other local authorities, or via the Local Enterprise Partnership.
One single overarching scheme with three different approaches to support local businesses will also be awarded the point.
10 out of 11combined authority councils got full marks for this question.