CLASP - Climate Change Local Area Support Programme

North West England

PROJECT TEAM & PARTNERS

Project led by 4NW - the Regional Leaders Forum for the North West - on behalf of the North West Climate Change Partnership.

Key partners:

• Government Office North West,
• North West Development Agency,
• North West Efficiency and Improvement Partnership,
• Environment Agency,
• Energy Saving Trust.

CONTRACT VALUE - £371,000

FUNDING

• North West Efficiency and Improvement Partnership
• North West Regional Development Agency

TIMESCALE 3 years

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

To provide support for all North West Local Authorities, on the reduction of CO2 emissions from their own estate and wider local area, with particular emphasis on the implementation and progression of National Indicators 185 and 186.

The programme also aims to assist with NI188 on adaptation where possible and provide generic training on climate change to LSPs.

Specific objectives

• Provide networking opportunities for local authority officers
• Channel advice and information into the North West
• Publicise best practice from the North West
• Provide a virtual learning centre and information resource for LA officers
• Provide case studies and resources (the "NW Climate Change Pathway"), to assist the progress of LAs in delivering NI 186 and reducing CO2 emissions in the LA area
• Improve awareness and understanding of climate change (causes, effects, adaptation and mitigation measures) by LSP members
• Provide advice and support around NI 185 and NI 186 to NW Local Authorities
• Provide a series of targeted events, seminars & workshops on issues key to CO2 emission reduction, monitoring, reporting and adaptation.

Expected Outcomes

• Increased joining-up of regional bodies working on climate change
• Increased transfer of knowledge and skills to local authorities
• Improved awareness and understanding of climate change (causes, effects, adaptation and mitigation measures) by LSP members.
• Increased sharing of best practice and knowledge
• Improved ability of local authorities to make carbon reductions from their own estate (NI 185)
• Improved ability of NW authorities to make carbon reductions from their local areas (NI 186)
• Increased ability of NW areas to adapt to climate change impacts (NI 188)

PROJECT TARGETS

Target 1.1 75% of LSPs/authorities charged with delivering NI 185 or NI 186 targets to have been assisted in developing their response by the advice and support projects.

Target 1.2 2000+ hours of officer time spent at masterclasses / workshops / seminars / training sessions by 30th March 2010
Target 2.1 100% of LSPs/authorities charged with delivering NI 185 or NI 186 targets to have an officer registered with the online web-portal by 30th March 2009

Target 2.2 At least 50% of masterclasses/workshops/seminars/training events to have featured representatives of national organisations or authorities based outside of the North West, by 30th March 2010

Target 2.3 At least 70% of attendees to rate the sessions (up to 31/03/10) as "Good" or "Excellent"

Target 3.1: 80% of LSPs to have received the LSP engagement/training session by 30th March 2010.

Target 3.2: At least 60% of attendees to rate the sessions (up to 31/03/10) as "Good" or "Excellent".

CHALLENGES FACED

The project is still in early stages. Only 6 months into 3 year period.

Initial barriers / challenges include:

• Engaging Local Strategic Partnerships and other regional leaders.
• Helping NW local authorities to understand the processes by which their progress on the National Indicators will be assessed

INNOVATIVE PRACTICE

22, ½ day personalised training sessions (of awareness raising, perception challenging, information, debate and discussion) are being delivered to the 22 North West LSPs leading on a LAA. The sessions will strive to engage with the wider LSP partners such as Police, Fire, Health, Voluntary and Private Sector, emphasising the contribution they can have in building capacity to successfully deliver change. The briefings will be tailored to each LSP's unique situation.

CONTACT DETAILS

E-mail: Ailsa.gibson@4nw.org.uk

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