Councils should have the power to call for net-zero emissions as an unconditional requirement for all new developments, MPs have argued. A cross-party housing, communities and local government select committee’s report calls for net-zero to be given a central role in the National Planning Policy Framework.

Select committee chair Clive Betts said: “Local councils will have a critical role to play in efforts to achieve the 2050 net-zero target, building public confidence in climate action and ensuring a just transition.

“From low carbon housing standards, energy efficiency and retrofitting existing housing stock to planning, transport and active travel, local councils have influence over a wide range of areas for potential emissions reductions.”

The committee said the government’s recent net-zero and heat and building strategies should have said more about how councils can use planning to shape communities to reduce carbon emissions. It recommends £500m to be invested in the planning system over the next four years.

31 October 2021