Climate change has become an increasing focus, especially with the recent announcement of the creation of the new Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). The new Department will bring together the former Climate Change Group (CCG) which was part of the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the energy group from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR). Ed Milliband has been appointed by Gordon Brown as the new Secretary of State for this Department. This shows that climate change is starting to be taken far more seriously at governmental level as is the link between climate change and energy.
Residential Properties
Extensive works need to be carried out to existing properties, well beyond the budgets available from local authorities. Thought has been given to how this might be achieved. One solution suggested was for a loan to be taken from the European Investment Bank in order to undertake works; with the government paying the interest on that loan; and CERT payments paying part of the cost of the capital; the other part of the capital will then be paid off when a property that has had works undertaken to is sold. This potential model would pay for a huge number of renewable energy schemes including solar energy, wind energy and district heating schemes. This offers a "have now, pay later" solution to the funding problem.
Eco-Towns
There are many eco-town proposals, although a recent ruling in the High Court means that there will be a Judicial Review of the whole government's eco towns policy. The proceedings, by a residential group called BARD [Better Accessible Responsible Development] not only seek a declaration from the High Court about a particular site to be discontinued, but also that the government's whole eco town's policy is unlawful. BARD suggest that "large scale local planning decisions should be left to local authorities who should have direct accountability regarding the impact on locals".
A group of 21 charitable organisations, led by the Town and Country Planning Association and Shelter, have together signed a joint statement supporting the controversial plans for eco towns. They claim the emphasis should be on making the eco towns work to provide much needed housing accommodation.
Planning Policy Of New Developments
A recent paper by the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) looked at the issue of defining zero carbon and the use of on or off site renewable energy. It requires all buildings to meet strict energy efficiency standards and generate on site energy. This could be onerous.
A number of local authorities are looking at establishing energy services companies (ECSOs). If a local authority facility were linked to a new housing development it would effectively count as meeting planning requirements.
Sustainable Communities Act 2007
This unusual Act might be valuable for climate change purposes. Local authorities have been invited to submit their proposals under the Act. The Regulations take effect on 3 November 2008. It is not known how this Act will affect matters but there is confidence that it will result in further powers and devolution to Councils.
Climate change is fast moving up the agenda for every local authority and will continue to do so.
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