Climate Emergency
Councils are currently focusing on retrofitting homes for energy efficiency and developing strategic plans to address the climate emergency.
Waltham Forest Council adopted new planning guidance for home retrofits in June 2026, aiming to encourage sustainable and energy-efficient alterations. Hammersmith and Fulham's new Climate, Sustainability and Travel Policy and Accountability Committee, which held its inaugural meeting in July 2026, will focus on energy bills and building retrofitting. Islington Council's energy advice service provided support, including booking retrofit assessments, in March 2026.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council backed a £5 million green investment initiative in January 2026, aimed at empowering residents to invest in cleaner projects. Richmond upon Thames Council faced scrutiny in January 2026 over its net-zero by 2043 target, with questions raised about pathways for domestic energy consumption and the transition from gas boilers. Newham Council's Standards Committee discussed a councillor development programme in March 2026 that includes the climate emergency as a training topic.
Looking ahead, Brent Council discussed climate resilience in September 2026. Kingston upon Thames Council had climate change action on its agenda in July 2026. Newham's Chief Officer Appointment Committee in September 2026 is establishing a sub-committee to appoint a Corporate Director of Resources, a role responsible for the climate emergency. Greenwich is also drafting a new Local Plan, which includes a chapter on the climate emergency, for publication in October 2025.
Key facts
- Hammersmith and Fulham's Climate, Sustainability and Travel Policy and Accountability Committee held its inaugural meeting on June 30, 2026. Source 1 Source 2
- Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet approved new planning guidance for home retrofits in June 2026. Source
- Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Cabinet approved £49 million for retrofit projects in its housing stock over four years in February 2026. Source
- Hammersmith and Fulham Council backed a £5 million green investment initiative in January 2026. Source
- Islington Executive approved a Climate Action Supplementary Planning Document and Retrofitting Handbook in September 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.