Published on Tuesday 04 November 2025
Last week the Government published their Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan - outlining their plans to 'reduce emissions in a way that lowers bills and secures good job'.
But the plan falls short of outlining how they will properly fund local councils to make sustainability affordable and accessible to communities.
BCP Council is one of the first two local authorities in the south west region to fully develop a Local Area Energy Plan - a roadmap aimed at highlighting achievable policies that secure sustainable, reliable energy for residents and businesses.
Whilst the Council continues to work with stakeholders and partners across a phased programme of delivery, the Government must now outline how they will support local authorities, through proper funding, to implement the policies contained within the Growth Delivery Plan.
Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, energy and environment at BCP Council, said: “It’s encouraging to see the Government’s commitment to securing a clean energy economy alongside clear targets.
“Now that the Government has outlined their vision it is important that they provide local authorities with the funding required to properly implement policies that make sustainability more accessible to residents and communities.
“Our recently launched Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) identities priority areas for action – from retrofitting homes and improving insultation to harnessing our area’s unique geology as a source to heat buildings.
“These actions will create good jobs, secure reliable energy with an emphasis on renewables, and improve energy efficiency in homes and businesses.
“As one of only two local authorities in the South West region to have developed a LAEP, we are proud to be leading the way for our communities.
“Working with stakeholders locally, nationally and regionally, means we can deliver real benefits for our residents and a more sustainable future for generations to come.”