Council leaders have joined together to call for further devolution of powers to help individual areas tackle the climate crisis.

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty is one of 32 cross-party leaders and mayors to sign a formal request that the government devolve more powers to local areas.

The group, which consists of leaders from across the UK, have asked for powers to shape local energy markets, decarbonise transport their areas and tackle emissions from homes and offices.

The International Net Zero Local Leadership conference was held this week in Birmingham where the leaders lobbied Business Secretary Kwasi Kwateng.

Some examples of the powers the leaders are asking for include:

  • Giving local authorities the power to decarbonise new and existing buildings and homes in their areas
  • Setting up strategic energy bodies - that cooperate between public bodies and the companies that run the energy infrastructure
  • Cutting the costs of connecting electric vehicle charging networks to the grid
  • Ensuring the new UK Infrastructure Bank has a Net Zero mandate

READ MORE: Brighton must cut transport and housing emissions to meet net zero target

Cllr Mac Cafferty said: "It's clear that in the UK it is local councils, cities and regions which are leading the way on climate action. We will be able to go much further and so much faster when this is recognised and properly resourced.

"In Brighton and Hove we've been laying the foundations to decarbonise our city. Our carbon neutral plan sets out the bold steps we will take to achieve net zero across all sectors, including energy, housing, transport and the circular economy, working with local communities and organisations."

He added: "It's time to give the decision-making powers to local areas so that communities can deliver meaningful change and develop the creative and innovative work already underway in the nine years we have to make a difference."