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Support and resources for local authorities

There is a variety of resources available to local authorities that are planning climate change and energy initiatives.

Examples of funding and other resources available to English local authorities are:

The Local Authorities Carbon Management Programme run by the Carbon Trust offers participating authorities consultant support in the form of workshops and limited dedicated support to guide authorities through a systematic analysis of their carbon footprint and the opportunities available to help them manage carbon emissions in a strategic manner.

The Carbon Trust offers free Carbon Surveys to organisations with an energy bill of over £50,000 a year. Experts will visit the premises to identify energy saving opportunities and offer practical advice on how to achieve them.

The Local Authority One-to One Support Programme from the Energy Saving Trust offers local authorities tailored advice on reducing carbon emissions and demonstrating leadership on climate change.

The Energy Saving Trust's Practical Help enquiry service will answer any question a local authority or housing provider has relating to sustainable energy.

The Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (formerly known as the Energy Efficiency Commitment) requires electricity and gas supplier to achieve targets for the promotion of improvements in domestic energy efficiency. Local authorities can apply directly to Energy Suppliers for funding to support schemes for improving household energy efficiency, especially for priority groups in fuel poverty.

A new LGA partnership has been established to help councils access this funding. It is called the CROSS funding partnership, and management of this has been awarded to Enact Energy. The service is free of charge to local councils and Registered Social Landlords with costs being recovered from the energy suppliers. Contact: Enact on 0870 442 7601 or info@enactenergy.com

Free Green Fleet Reviews are available from the Energy Saving Trust for any organisation with more than 50 vehicles. It usually takes 3-4 days and looks at how to run fleets efficiently as well as providing training and seminars. A free telephone consultation and advice service is available for smaller fleets.

Salix Finance provides interest-free match funding to the public sector to invest in energy efficiency measures and technologies that will reduce carbon emissions.

The Low Carbon Buildings Programme provides 30-50% grants for installing low carbon (renewable) micro-generation technology in public sector properties.

The Warm Front Grantadministered by Eaga provides a package of energy efficiency and heating measures for households on benefits. Local authorities can link into Warm Front schemes to support affordable warmth schemes in their communities.

Eco-schools Grants up to a maximum of £5,000 are available for schools for new or existing projects that create positive change and development on the themes of energy and water.

Other sources of information

The Energy Saving Trust's:-

Funding database - a list of funding sources for energy efficiency and renewable energy measures from a variety of organisations. The database can be searched by key word, fund and region.