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Newcastle-upon-Tyne City Council

Single tier

About this council

See council in context

Nation

England

Net-zero target date

Whole area: 2030

Index of multiple deprivation

1

Total population

290k - 410k

Urbanisation

Urban

Political control (Jan 2022)

Labour

About the scoring

Climate Emergency UK assessed plans according to 28 questions across nine sections, based on the expert-approved checklist for Council Action Plans. Each council was marked against these criteria and given a right to reply before the scores underwent a final audit. This work was completed between June and December 2021. Action Plans and related documents that were publicly available after September 2015 and before 20 September 2021 were marked.

Has this council updated their Climate Action Plan? Check our database to find out.

See which plans were marked

Scorecard section performance

Climate Action Plans have been scored across nine categories, each covering the crucial information that an effective plan should contain. The marks within these sections add up to make up the council's overall score. Here you can see where a council performs well and not so well in each section — and compare it to other councils at this granular level.

Visit us again on a bigger screen

You’ll find more options, like the ability to compare your council’s Scorecard with other councils, and see a more granular breakdown of how they did on each question of the Scorecards.

SectionsNewcastle-upon-Tyne City CouncilAverage single tier council score
16/2110.3/21
16/189.0/18
6/74.1/7
8/95.1/9
4/52.9/5
4/42.2/4
4/50.9/5
3/52.3/5
3/42.1/4

Individual question performance

Each category on the Scorecards is broken down into several individual questions, as guided by Climate Emergency UK’s checklist for councils’ Action Plans. This is the most granular data we hold for each councils’ Scorecard.

#QuestionsNewcastle-upon-Tyne City Council

Councils with full marks

Governance, development and funding16/210 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this section.
2.0/344 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.1.1
1.1.1

The Plan is led by a senior lead officer with a cabinet member or committee responsible for development and delivery.

1.0/193 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.1.2
1.1.2

The individual actions in the Plan are assigned to an officer or committee to ensure they are completed on time.

0/167 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.1.3
1.1.3

The Plan identifies the key bodies needed to deliver actions.

Must mention top 4 bullets + 1 other from the list to get the point

This must include:
• The local authority
• The local authority in partnership
• Local residents
• Anchor institutions

Including but not limited to:
• Local statutory organisations
• VCSE/third sector
• Local businesses
• NGOs
• Other councils in the area
• Distribution Network Operators (DNOs)
• Utility companies
• The National Government
• Arts organisations
• Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs)
• Community organisations
• Transport operators
• Council owned companies and enterprises
• Housing association

1.0/1110 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
4.0/62 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.2.1
1.2.1

The Plan contains yearly or interim targets for carbon reduction in the whole district up until the net-zero target date.

0/138 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.2.1.b
1.2.1.b

The Plan states a net-zero target for the whole district

2.0/244 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.2.2
1.2.2

The council has a target of reaching net-zero for their own emissions by 2030.

1.0/192 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.2.3
1.2.3

The terms, scope and fairness are defined:

3 bullet points = 1 point
4 or more bullet points = 2 points

• The terms of net-zero are defined clearly
• The scope of the net-zero target is considered e.g. what gases are included
• An annual reduction percentage is calculated which ensures the council stays within its carbon budget
• The Plan sets out a statement of long term intent in which it details how it plans to go carbon negative after reaching net-zero
• The fairness of the targets is considered e.g. recognising that some areas have a greater responsibility to carbon reduction than others due to economic factors, historic emissions data etc.

1.0/214 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.0/249 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.3.1
1.3.1

Links to the Corporate Plan and commitment to the climate emergency Action Plan is embedded in the council’s Corporate Plan.

0/162 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.3.2
1.3.2

The Plan commits to placing the climate emergency at the centre of all its decisions and actions.

This means:
• There should be a line in the Plan that commits to this e.g. Nottingham’s Plan says: ‘This is one of the most important and complex challenges any society has faced, which is why the Council has taken it to the core of how it operates.’

1.0/198 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
4.0/511 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.4.1
1.4.1

The Plan identifies funding for the actions.

Including but not limited to:
• Identifying if funding exists for an action
• If funding does not exist, identifying where the funding can be sought
• Considering the council’s own internal budgets to ensure they are being used most effectively to support carbon neutrality.

0/179 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.4.2
1.4.2

The cost of the actions in the Plan is outlined.

1.0/135 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.4.3
1.4.3

The Plan sets out financial return on investment where applicable e.g. renewable energy projects.

1.0/147 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.4.4
1.4.4

The Plan identifies ways of raising funds.

For example:
• Workplace Parking Levy*
• Licensing of private rented sector*
• Equity investors in infrastructure projects

1.0/175 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.4.5
1.4.5

The Plan outlines how the local authority will allocate funds to ensure budgets are being used most effectively to support carbon neutrality.

1.0/148 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.0/274 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.5.1
1.5.1

The Plan recognises there is a limit to what the council can and cannot do on its own and includes notes on what it has control over.

For example:
• Transport
• Roads
• Education
• Recycling
• etc.

1.0/1103 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.5.2
1.5.2

The Plan commits the authority to lobbying higher levels of government when it comes across limitations of legislation and finance that impede it from taking action on the climate crisis.

1.0/186 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
3.0/372 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.6.1
1.6.1

The council has a monitoring system in place for evaluating and reviewing the Action Plan.

1.0/1116 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.6.2
1.6.2

The monitoring system is assigned to a department or team to complete and the review process is overseen by a senior lead officer, cabinet member or committee.

1.0/184 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.6.3
1.6.3

The Plan commits the council to reviewing and updating the Plan at least once annually.

1.0/1106 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
Mitigation and adaptation16/184 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this section.
1.0/191 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.7.1
2.7.1

The Plan outlines the implications of climate change for the local area.

Outline at least 3 implications to get the point

Including but not limited to:
• Increasingly extreme local weather
• Sea level rise
• Coastal erosion
• Flooding
• Creation of heat islands
• Shortages of public water supply
• Problems with food production

1.0/191 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
8.0/929 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.8.1
2.8.1

The Plan sets out or links to a strategy for reducing consumption and waste.

1.0/1105 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.8.2
2.8.2

The Plan sets out or links to a strategy for decarbonising planning and land use.*

1.0/191 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.8.3
2.8.3

The Plan sets out or links to a strategy for decarbonising transport.

1.0/1118 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.8.4
2.8.4

The Plan sets out or links to a strategy for decarbonising buildings, housing and infrastructure inc. construction.

1.0/199 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.8.5
2.8.5

The Plan sets out or links to a strategy for decarbonising business and industry.

1.0/172 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.8.6
2.8.6

The Plan sets out or links to a strategy for decarbonising energy generation.

1.0/195 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.8.7
2.8.7

The Plan sets out or links to a strategy for decarbonising heating.

1.0/177 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.8.8
2.8.8

The Plan sets out or links to a strategy for restoring the natural environment and improving biodiversity.

1.0/1113 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.8.9
2.8.9

The Plan sets out or links to a strategy for decarbonising food systems and agriculture.

0/145 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
7.0/86 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.9.1
2.9.1

The Plan sets out how the council will help residents prepare for changes in climate and extreme weather.

1.0/157 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.9.2
2.9.2

The Plan sets out adaptation actions for planning and land use

1.0/180 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.9.3
2.9.3

The Plan sets out adaptation actions for transport

1.0/137 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.9.4
2.9.4

The Plan sets out adaptation actions for buildings, housing and infrastructure

1.0/165 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.9.5
2.9.5

The Plan sets out adaptation actions for business and industry

1.0/130 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.9.6
2.9.6

The Plan sets out adaptation actions for energy generation

1.0/150 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.9.7
2.9.7

The Plan sets out adaptation actions for the natural environment and biodiversity

1.0/170 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.9.8
2.9.8

The Plan sets out adaptation actions for agriculture and food production

0/135 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
Commitment and integration6/710 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this section.
2.0/333 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
3.10.1
3.10.1

The Plan links to and integrates with existing local authority plans and strategies.

Give the point if the Plan links to any other plans and/or strategies

Including but not limited to:
• Biodiversity plan
• Air quality plan
• Transport or Movement strategy
• Local industrial strategy
• Asset Management plan
• Investment plans

1.0/1125 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
3.10.2
3.10.2

The Plan sets out how the climate and ecological emergency will be integrated with and become a key aim of financial procedures.

Including but not limited to:
• Procurement
• Capex
• Supply chain requirements

1.0/1105 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
3.10.3
3.10.3

The Plan sets out how the climate and ecological emergency will be integrated with and become a key aim of HR.

Including but not limited to:
• Individual objectives
• Recruitment e.g. Placing climate mitigation and adaptation into all job descriptions and providing climate focused training and resources.
• Competencies
• Accountability

0/138 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.0/256 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
3.11.1
3.11.1

The Action Plan mentions or links to the Local Plan.*

1.0/1115 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
3.11.2
3.11.2

The Action Plan commits to the council to update their Local Plan with the climate crisis at its core.

1.0/156 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.0/264 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
3.12.1
3.12.1

The Plan makes reference to SMART targets but it is not complete i.e they are specific and measurable but not time-bound etc.

SMART targets:
• Specific
• Measureable
• Agreed upon or actionable
• Realistic or relevant
• Time-bound (the target dates are set in line with the urgency of the situation)

1.0/1102 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
3.12.2
3.12.2

Most of the actions in the Plan have SMART Targets.

1.0/164 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
Community, engagement and communications8/96 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this section.
1.0/230 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
4.13.1
4.13.1

The Plan clearly makes extra effort to reach harder to reach communities and under-represented groups in the environmental movement

Including but not limited to:
• Black, Asian and other ethnic minorities
• People with disabilities
• People on lower incomes
• People from working class backgrounds
• Faith groups
• High carbon emitting businesses
• Farmers
• Land owners

0/132 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
4.13.2
4.13.2

The Plan clearly states how residents, businesses and stakeholders will continue to be involved in the progress and delivery of the Plan.
Examples including but not limited to:
Creating a permanent community forum
Allocating community representation on key committees
Creating an ongoing online feedback page
Running online webinars and engagement sessions
Physical suggestion boxes in locations around the area

1.0/195 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.0/283 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
4.14.1
4.14.1

The Plan identifies and establishes partnerships and secure commitments from different sectors within the community.

Mention partnerships with at least 3 different organisations or sectors to get the point

Including but not limited to:
• The voluntary sector
• The education sector
• The health sector
• Faith organisations
• Businesses (large and SME)
• Anchor institutions
• Universities
• High carbon emitting sectors
• Farming sector

1.0/1110 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
4.14.2
4.14.2

The Plan includes how the local authority and its leaders will work to influence and support other bodies.

For example:
District councils could create climate emergency packs for parish councils in their area
Local authorities can influence Local Enterprise Partnerships, Combined Authorities, Sub-national Transport bodies and Contractors to reduce their own emissions and increase biodiversity

1.0/191 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
3.0/338 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
4.15.1
4.15.1

It is possible to find the Action Plan when searching for it in the search bar.

1.0/1127 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
4.15.2
4.15.2

There is an environment and/or climate section in the drop down menu which clearly leads to the Plan.

1.0/175 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
4.15.3
4.15.3

The Plan is accessible from the home page. This could be part of a Climate Emergency section that is advertised on the home page.

1.0/142 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.0/1108 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
4.16.1
4.16.1

The layout is clear and easy to read and understand.

This means:
• It is attractive to look at and entices people to read
• The layout is clear
• It is easy to navigate: there is a contents page, executive summary, clear outlines for objectives, timelines for actions and a table summary for actions.
• The sections are well signposted
• The language is accessible for everyone (any jargon used is defined)
• There are images, tables and infographics to help explain the content
• Colour is used well to aid understanding

1.0/1108 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.0/180 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
4.17.1
4.17.1

There is a clear communication strategy for informing the public about updates on the Plan.*

1.0/180 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
Measuring and setting emissions targets4/513 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this section.
2.0/316 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
5.18.1
5.18.1

The Plan includes a baseline emission inventory for greenhouse gas emissions for the whole district.

0/150 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
5.18.2
5.18.2

The Plan quantifies current greenhouse gas emissions for the whole district.

1.0/187 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
5.18.3
5.18.3

The Plan provides a breakdown of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions for the whole district.

1.0/137 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.0/2105 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
5.19.1
5.19.1

The Plan highlights action areas for emissions reductions.*

Identify at least 3 action areas to get the point

Including but not limited to:
• Energy and Heating
• The Built Environment
• Transport
• Agriculture and Food
• Waste
• The Circular Economy
• Water
• Planning and Land Use
• Commercial and Industrial
• Ecological Emergency and Biodiversity
• Air Quality and Pollution

1.0/1141 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
5.19.2
5.19.2

A hierarchy of carbon mitigation is established in which carbon offsetting is placed at the bottom, as a last resort only.*

1.0/1108 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
Co-benefits4/435 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this section.
2.0/272 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
6.20.1
6.20.1

The Plan includes co-benefits in at least 3 of the following areas:

3 areas covered = 1 point

5 or more areas covered = 2 points

• Environmental
• Social
• Job creation
• Equity and social cohesion
• Health and wellbeing
• Resilience
• Citizen engagement
• Economy

2.0/272 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.0/249 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
6.21.1
6.21.1

The Plan outlines public health risks in the area as a result of climate change.

Outline any health risks to get the point

Including but not limited to:
• Air quality (statistics for the area, deaths per year etc.)
• Exposure to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) and other weather events, eg. flooding
• Invasive species carrying disease (mosquitoes etc.)
• Disease caused by contaminated flood water
• Pandemics and epidemics
• Distribution to supply chains resulting in lack of medication, food etc.
• Malnutrition
• Eco-anxiety

1.0/185 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
6.21.2
6.21.2

The Plan includes actions to address the public health risks of climate change across the different action themes.

1.0/151 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
Diversity and inclusion4/50 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this section.
3.0/40 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
7.22.1
7.22.1

The Plan outlines who climate change will harm the most.

If 3 groups are identified select option 1

If 5 or more groups are identified select option 2

Including but not limited to recognising:
• Intergenerational inequalities
• Racial inequalities
• Religious inequalities
• Class/economic inequalities
• Gender inequalities
• Disability inequalities
• LGBTQ+ inequalities
• Traveller communities

1.0/22 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
7.22.2
7.22.2

The Plan focuses resources to support these vulnerable communities.

3 areas covered = 1 point

5 or more areas covered = 2 points

Including but not limited to:
• Energy and fuel poverty
• Food insecurity
• Improving job skills, education and retraining
• Clean air and reducing pollution
• Flood risk and recovery
• Educational risks and social risks
• Quality of public space, green space and assets.
• Infrastructure
• Accessibility to key services/housing
• Affordability of public transport and access to active travel

2.0/213 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.0/152 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
7.23.1
7.23.1

The Plan’s commitments reflect the council’s and the area’s responsibility to climate action based on its economic position, current and historic GHG emissions, level of authority and power.

This could include:
• Wealthier and higher tier council’s committing to help and support councils with fewer resources e.g. areas with greater staff capacity should lead on sharing best practice and learnings.
• Recognising that historically areas have financially benefited from carbon intensive industries e.g. mining and helping residents working in these industries to retrain
• Making it clear that those on lowest incomes are not expected to retrofit their own homes etc.
• Recognising why emissions in the area are high or low

1.0/152 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
Education, skills and training3/513 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this section.
0/177 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
8.24.1
8.24.1

The Plan does include carbon and climate literacy training for all staff and councillors.

0/177 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
1.0/245 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
8.25.1
8.25.1

The Plan includes climate education in schools.

1.0/188 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
8.25.2
8.25.2

The Plan includes climate education for the public as a key component in the action plan. This refers not to school children and those in formal education but everyone.

Including but not limited to:
• Adults in work
• Adults out of work
• Carers
• Seniors
• Incarcerated people

0/153 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
2.0/242 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
8.26.1
8.26.1

The Plan identifies the training and upskilling of the workforce in the local area that is necessary to transform the local economy at the scale and pace needed.

Including but not limited to:
• Re-training workers in high-carbon industries to low-carbon sectors
• Young people
• Local businesses
• Education providers
• Local employers

1.0/172 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
8.26.2
8.26.2

The Plan identifies how the training will happen.

Including but not limited to:
• Who will provide the training
• Creating green apprenticeships
• Partnerships with Local Enterprise Partnerships, SMEs, schools, colleges, universities, job centres etc.
• Upskilling education providers and careers services in identifying future employment trends and • opportunities
• Incentivise re-training

1.0/144 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
Ecological emergency3/410 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this section.
3.0/368 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
9.27.1
9.27.1

The Plan outlines actions to address the ecological emergency.

1.0/1105 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
9.27.2
9.27.2

The Plan recognises the impact climate change is having on biodiversity loss.

1.0/185 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
9.27.3
9.27.3

The Plan recognises the ecological services provided by habitat within the area and suggests nature-based solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation.

1.0/1109 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
0/114 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.
9.28.1
9.28.1

The Plan outlines the ecological impact of specific carbon mitigation and adaptation actions set out in the Plan and suggests actions to address any negative impacts.

0/114 out of 186 single tier councils got full marks for this question.