Amit Verma, CIPFA Sustainability Policy Manager
Green Skills for Net Zero – The Policy Context
The UK’s third carbon budget, covering 2018 to 2022, was successfully met, with the final statement published in May 2024 reporting that the UK exceeded its emissions reduction target by 15%, as per the Climate Change Act 2008. By 2022, the UK’s net greenhouse gas emissions were 50% lower than the base year. However, the Committee for Climate Change (CCC) expressed doubt in its 2023 report about the UK meeting future emissions targets due to delays in policy development and implementation. A key concern is the need for worker training and skills development to meet the UK's Net Zero goals. The report recommends removing barriers to employment, increasing training opportunities, and fostering public-private partnerships to create demand in sectors critical to the Net Zero transition.
The UK faces significant skill shortages that could hinder progress in various sectors. UK100, an organization that supports local authorities on Net Zero, highlights that "green skills" are essential to achieving the UK's climate goals. It also criticizes the government's approach to skills development as "disjointed and short-term," especially at the local level. The role of local authorities in addressing this gap and preparing the future workforce is crucial.
The Role of Local Authorities in Net Zero
A Green Economy, as defined by the United Nations Environmental Program, is "low carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive." Growth in such an economy is driven by public and private investments, emphasizing the need for "capacity building" to close knowledge gaps through training and skills development. The Green Jobs Taskforce report calls for investment in green jobs and skills, particularly at the local level, where authorities are well-positioned to bridge the gap between businesses and communities.
However, local authorities need more support from the central government to unlock the full potential of green job creation and skills development. This challenge is amplified by tight budgets and funding cuts, which restrict their capacity to deliver on these goals.
Despite financial constraints, many local authorities are making progress. For example, Manchester City Council has developed a Work and Skills strategy that connects businesses with talent and residents with sustainable job opportunities. However, research by UK100 indicates that currently the local authorities are being overlooked by an employer led approach which cannot deliver the skills required to reach Net Zero at the pace and scale required. Addressing this challenge requires stronger government policies that integrate skills development with Net Zero goals and clarify the role of local authorities.
Policy Gaps and the Future
Several policy gaps hinder local authorities' efforts to develop the skills needed for Net Zero. These include a lack of business confidence to invest in green skills, short-term competitive funding, and underfunding of further education, leading to skills shortages. There is a need for a clear framework that encourages local authorities to collaborate with businesses and educational institutions, integrates long-term skills development into local authority funding, and ensures consistent financial support.
To close these gaps, the government could consider policy interventions such as extending funding for innovative training programs, ensuring local government representation on the Green Jobs Taskforce, and developing low-carbon training and apprenticeship programs. Collaborating with further education institutions to increase the number of expert green skills instructors is also essential. Membership organizations like CIPFA could help develop training programs, such as the CIPFA Certificate in Sustainability, to embed sustainability in local decision-making.
As the Committee for Climate Change (CCC) 2020 report points out, the government must provide clear guidance on the role of local authorities in delivering Net Zero and equip them with the necessary funding and support to meet these ambitious targets.