Leicestershire Parish Councils

Government Guidance to Town & Parish Councils

Climate change, the most serious challenge facing the world, can only be tackled effectively if we all take action now. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reported in February this year that the evidence for climate change caused by human activity is stronger than ever.

It is happening at an even faster pace than previously thought.The debate is over: climate change
is a reality. With a fast-closing window of opportunity, a rapid
response is essential.

Parish and town councils, the first tier of government, can play a substantial role in our drive to reduce the risks of climate change.

The Sustainable Energy and Climate Change Act 2006 gave parish and town councils specific powers in relation to local energy saving measures, which will reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Parish and town councils can promote and
support community initiatives to reduce emissions. Taking action now not only reduces the impact on the environment, but saves the parish and town council money too. This guide offers advice on how parish and town councils can work with their communities to secure a more sustainable future. It demonstrates how some parish and town councils are already taking a lead in their communities to tackle climate change.

Whatever their size or location, all town and parish councils have the potential to make a real difference. The force for improvement displayed by local councils across the country convinces me that they have a role to play. With expert local knowledge,parish and town councils are often in a better position than other organisations to identify suitable measures at a community level to
address climate change. We must put the issue of climate change high up on our agendas.
I have every confidence that parish and town councils will rise to the challenge.

Phil Woolas MP, Minister for the Environment – Defra