Central government officials must give support and funding for Birmingham to tackle climate change, the deputy leader of the council says.
Coun Paul Tilsley claimed Whitehall officials must consult local politicians.
He said local government needed certainty over how projects would be funded from central government.
Writing in today’s Birmingham Post Coun Tilsley said: “It would be very useful for the government to consult with us on the best way to support our climate change activities. What we need is certainly on appraisal systems for funding climate change projects and proof carbon reduction is seen as a real priority in supporting investment decisions.
“Climate change is a global issue and one that needs local government and citizens to act together.”
He said Birmingham’s aim to cut carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2026 will be achieved through city-wide initiatives lead by Local Strategic Partnership Be Birmingham.
“That is why Birmingham has prepared its climate change response at a city-wide level, through Local Strategic Partnership Be Birmingham, and used innovative educational events to help the public understand how they can contribute to carbon reduction and efficient energy use.
“We are the only UK council to take part in the Clinton Initiative on International Climate Change. Our vision and commitment on climate change is to reduce the city’s carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2026.
“This is a cornerstone of the Environment Workstream that is part of the innovative and challenging council-wide corporate transformation programme we have put in place.”
He said the workstream would look at sustainable transport, procurement, waste and resource management, sustainable urban drainage, flood and heat risk management, energy efficiency and renewable energy.
He also said national policies should help those working at local level and provide assistance.
“National policy should still must provide more practical assistance and most importantly help us work together to make change happen whether at regional, national or European level.
“Where we work together the benefits will be far greater for all of us.”
