Financing UK place-based climate action: from Westminster to Cumberland

This report explores the barriers and opportunities associated with scaling up net zero investment at the local authority level in the UK. By examining the experiences of two contrasting but ambitious councils, Westminster City Council and Cumberland Council, it aims to identify context-specific opportunities for local net zero projects and how to advance investment readiness, and assesses the enabling policy environment at the two councils. In so doing, it provides insights for those and other local authorities seeking to accelerate their transition to net zero. The project draws on workshops held with investors and council stakeholders, plus analysis from Energy Systems Catapult and the University of Edinburgh.