24. The Review is also clear that there must be more place-based, locally led action on net zero. Our local areas and communities want to act on net zero, but too often government gets in the way. The Government must provide central leadership on net zero, but it must also empower people and places to deliver. Place-based action on net zero will not only lead to more local support but will deliver better economic outcomes as well. The Review recommends:
• Reforming the planning system at local and national level to ensure it properly supports net zero. One of the starkest messages from hundreds of organisations and individuals is that the planning system is undermining net zero and the economic opportunities that come with it. The Review recommends wide-ranging local planning reform - from the introduction of a net zero test to a rapid review of bottlenecks in the system - to ensure that it is fully aligned with our net zero future
• Simplifying the local net zero funding landscape to make it more efficient and productive for both central and local government. Local authorities are a key partner in delivering net zero, but current central government funding arrangements are standing in the way of effective local action. Stakeholders told us that the funding landscape is disjointed, unfair, and expensive for local authorities to navigate. The Review recommends wholescale simplification of local net zero funding, including consolidation of different pots and a reduction in competitive bidding. These changes will save both central and local government time and money, as well as do more to encourage a systems-wide approach to delivering net zero
• Providing full backing to a set of 'trailblazer' places that want to go further and faster on net zero, with the aim of reaching net zero by 2030