The Climate Change Act (2008) introduced the UK’s first legally binding target to reduce greenhouse gas, and was amended in 2019 to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the UK by 2050.
The 2008 Act also established the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), an independent body to provide evidence-based advice to the UK Government and Parliament on carbon budgets. The CCC report ‘Net Zero: The UK’s contribution to stopping global warming’ recommended the 2050 net zero date in 2019.
In 2015, the UK government signed the Paris Agreement, which sets out a global action plan to avoid dangerous climate change. A total of 196 parties agreed to the long-term goal of keeping the increase in global average temperature well below 2C above pre-industrial levels and aim to limit any increase to 1.5C.
The UK government has a suite of policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The main climate change policy document is the Net Zero Strategy (Build Back Greener), published in 2021 (updated 2022). The document sets out policies and proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy to meet the 2050 net zero target. The Strategy builds on the governments ten-point plan for a green industrial revolution published in 2020. More information on UK policies related to climate change can be found on the government site
- Government policy on reaching Net Zero by 2050
- Net Zero Strategy (Build Back Greener)
- ten-point plan for a green industrial revolution
The government has also put in place additional measures or policies to support net zero:
Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
The ECO scheme is a government energy efficiency scheme active since 2013 that is designed to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions through an obligation on larger energy suppliers to deliver energy efficiency measures. There have been four previous iterations of the scheme: ECO, ECO1, ECO2, and ECO3.
ECO4 is live and provides funding for the installation of appropriate energy efficiency measures for low-income households who are most likely to experience fuel poverty, and those who are vulnerable to the effects of a cold home. The Scheme’s obligation period runs from 27 July 2022 to 31 March 2026.
For more information and to find out if you could be eligible for support under the ECO4 scheme, visit the Council’s dedicated page.
Warm Home Discount (WHD)
Providing over two million low income and vulnerable consumers in Great Britain with a £140 rebate off their energy bill each winter. For more about the scheme can be found on the government website
To see other grant and funding opportunities related to climate change and sustainability see our web pages
Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
Designed to tackle the least energy-efficient private rental properties - those rated F or G. Around 40% of these households are living in fuel poverty. These regulations establish a minimum standard of EPC band E for both domestic and non-domestic private rented property. Landlords are expected to ensure properties achieve a minimum standard of Band E, subject to a cost cap of £3,500 including VAT per property.
To find out what we are doing as a Council to improve energy efficiency standards in council-owned properties and across the wider Council estate, visit the Greener Homes and Buildings page.
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