Issue

Climate Emergency

20 stories · discussed at 14 council meetings · 15 councils

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

  1. Hammersmith and Fulham's Climate, Sustainability and Travel Policy and Accountability Committee held its inaugural meeting on June 30, 2026. Source 1 Source 2
  2. Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet approved new planning guidance for home retrofits in June 2026. Source
  3. Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Cabinet approved £49 million for retrofit projects in its housing stock over four years in February 2026. Source
  4. Hammersmith and Fulham Council backed a £5 million green investment initiative in January 2026. Source
  5. 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.

Stories, page 2

  1. Haringey Council approves rent and service charge hikes Haringey Council has approved rent and service charge increases for the upcoming financial year, a decision aimed at ensuring the long-term financial health of its Housing... Haringey 2 March 2026
  2. H&F Council Approves £452m Capital Programme for Housing & Infrastructure Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Cabinet has approved a capital programme totalling £452.2 million for the next four financial years, aimed at developing and enhancing council... Hammersmith and Fulham 14 February 2026
  3. Newham Cabinet backs West Ham Park 'People Friendly Streets' Newham's Cabinet has given its backing to the West Ham Park People Friendly Streets scheme, a move that aims to enhance pedestrian and cycle safety in the area surrounding West... Newham 10 February 2026
  4. Richmond Council faces scrutiny over climate action funding and strategy Richmond upon Thames Council's commitment to its net-zero by 2043 target has come under fire, with critics arguing the current climate strategy lacks the necessary detail and... Richmond upon Thames 30 January 2026
  5. Council backs £5m green investment initiative Hammersmith and Fulham Council has backed a significant £5 million green investment initiative aimed at empowering residents to invest in cleaner, greener projects and combat... Hammersmith and Fulham 30 January 2026
  6. Newham seeks Director of Highways, Parking & Transport Newham Council is seeking a Director of Highways, Parking & Transportation to lead and manage the borough's highways and transportation network. The role is graded at SMR/E for... Newham 28 October 2025
  7. Ealing Council Reappoints Beever and Struthers as Auditors for Greener Ealing Ltd and Reviews GEL's Financial Performance Ealing Council has reappointed Beever and Struthers as the external auditors for Greener Ealing Ltd (GEL) for the financial year 2025/26. The decision was made during the... Ealing 24 October 2025
  8. Greenwich Drafts 15-Year Local Plan for Development, Public Consultation Planned Greenwich is drafting a new Local Plan, a 15-year vision for development and land use across the borough that will replace the 2014 Core Strategy and guide future growth,... Greenwich 11 October 2025