All new homes should be required to have solar panels installed to meet green targets, according to a new report from the Local Government Association (LGA).
Currently, 60% of new homes built do not have rooftop solar panels, with 40% having them installed. While more new homes have solar installed than previously, the study claims making it a requirement would have a positive impact.
According to the LGA, such a standard would decrease decrease carbon and costs for households, with an estimated saving of £440 per year.
In addition, the report said other interventions, including retrofitting, finance and legislative changes for clean energy and reducing emissions can be met through the Spending Review for local authorities, as part of climate change objectives.
It highlights four key areas, including the Warm Homes plan and retrofitting to tackle fuel poverty and emissions, energy systems reform to modernise infrastructure for clean energy, backing Local Area Energy Plans as part of the Clean Power by 2030 initiative, and ensuring biodiversity and natural habitats through Local Nature Recovery Strategies.
To achieve these goals, the LGA has called for a unified national-local climate governance framework and the introduction of Local Climate Action Plans. It also requested legislative reform for councils to have more powers on their climate targets and energy standards, and a multi-year funding framework to unlock private sector investment.
The creation of a Green Finance Delivery Support Unit and risk-sharing mechanisms were also outlined to accelerate investment, and a green skills strategy to meet the future demands was also highlighted in the report.
Cllr Adam Hug, environment spokesperson for the LGA, said:
“This report sets out what councils can achieve and how to do it, if the Government is able to back them with the powers and funding to turn this into a reality.
“Councils are ready to go further and faster on climate action – but we need a plan that works in partnership with local government. However, the funding or policies needed to empower them to help fully realise this ambition are not yet in place.
“The Government should use the Spending Review to ensure that councils are sufficiently funded, and take on the policy recommendations that will help local government fulfil its role in tackling climate change.”
