Leicester city council, which has signed up to both pledges, is attempting to become a carbon-neutral city by 2030 and has promised to make changes to increase cycling and walking and reduce reliance on cars.
In praising the work done by the “UK100’s Local Power in Action pathfinder” at the council, Adam Clarke, the deputy mayor, said that the consultant had “influenced effective decision making”.
Despite working in councils, UK100 does not name its funders, saying that they are “various grant giving organisations”. It has previously announced that it has received funding from the philanthropic organisation of billionaire financier Sir Christopher Hohn, who has also funded Extinction Rebellion.
UK100, which describes itself as a membership organisation, says that it does not mandate which specific policies councils should introduce to meet their targets, but they are “supportive” of plans to “decarbonise transport, promote active travel, support public transport and reduce air pollution in neighbourhoods across the country”.
‘Labour councils serving the world’s richest people’
Ben Pile, from Climate Debate, a group calling for discussion on net zero issues, said that the report showed the civil society organisations with the backing of billionaires were “increasingly seeking to influence local authorities’ policy agendas”.
He said: “Air pollution policies and other net zero policies will profoundly affect people’s lives, but there is little evidence of public support or agreement driving local authorities’ green agenda.
“It seems that Labour councils are among the keenest to deny working and poorer families the freedom of private transport. These are the very people Labour claim to fight for, but rather than asking local people if they want these draconian policies, Labour councils to be serving the world’s richest people instead.”
A spokesman for Oxford city council said that “tackling the climate emergency is a key priority” and the council declared a “climate emergency” in 2019 and carried out the UK’s first citizens assembly on climate change later that year.
They said: “The citizens assembly directly asked residents about how and when Oxford should aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions, and if it should be faster than the Government’s own 2050 target. Based on recommendations from the assembly, Oxford set a 2040 target to achieve net zero carbon emissions, informed by scientific experts and independent of any outside body or group.”
The spokesman added: “Oxford city council has been a member of the UK100 since 2020 and the Global Covenant of Mayors since 2014. Membership within these organisations allows cities and leaders to express their commitment to tackling the climate emergency, share best practices, and act as a collective.
“Councils are not required to adopt specific measures, campaigns or policies to achieve net zero, and the pledges and targets are not legally binding. Instead, councils make decisions that align with the best interests of their community and residents.”
A spokesman for the Global Covenant said: “We are proud to work with elected mayors and leaders of cities all over the world, who are united in their ambition to fight the devastating impacts of climate change.
“With record-breaking fatal heatwaves, wildfires, floods and disease outbreaks sweeping across the world this year it’s never been clearer how important taking action to reduce carbon emissions and save our planet is.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
