Duties and powers of local authorities in the UK to adapt to climate change (CAG Consultants)

About this document

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) commissioned CAG Consultants to map the legal framework that governs how local authorities in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland adapt to the impacts of climate change. The report maps the specific statutory duties local authorities must fulfil and the discretionary powers they can use in relation to climate adaptation as well as setting out the national policies that guide local climate adaptation.

This report reflects the views of CAG Consultants and does not represent the views of the CCC.

Key messages

• Local authorities in the UK have a role in delivering climate change adaptation, governed by a complex landscape of different duties and powers.
• This landscape differs across UK nations and is continually evolving.
• Duties and powers for adaptation are provided through different laws in areas such as planning, flood risk, civil contingencies, and environmental management.
• This report highlights the challenge of complex governance, but shows that local authorities across the UK hold significant powers, particularly in planning, procurement, and land management, that can drive adaptation.

This publication is available in PDF format at the end of the page >