Council leaders call for 'green' jobs power

Council leaders say nearly 700,000 new ‘green jobs’ could be created by 2030 if local authorities are given a greater role in job creation.

The Local Government Association (LGA) says councils arekeytofacilitatingaboomin thegreeneconomy,predicting upto1.18millionnewjobsbeing created in low carbon sectors by 2050 in England.

The LGA, which represents councils in England and Wales, said they will require local control over skills and employment support, with increased investment to create and secure green jobs.

It is calling for local Government to lead on the coordination between all key partners, such as business, training providers, communities and services to ensure the green skills and employment targets are being met in local areas.

Councils say they are in a keypositiontohelpachievenet zero, able to impact on more than a third of all emissions fromvillages,townsandcities.

Marvin Rees, chair of the LGA’s City Regions Board said: “Beyond the promises and pledges from the international stage of COP26, it will be local governments in cities, towns and rural areas across the world that will be mobilising and driving the collective action required to address climate change.

“The Government has rightly outlined the need to prevent skills shortages during the net zero transition.

“To help meet national climate change targets and capitalise on the green jobs revolution potential, councils need to be given long-term funding, devolved powers and easier access to complex government funding pots to help realise national climate ambitions and ensure that communities are greener places to live for future generations.”