The Government’s new public participation plan shows they’re serious about better engagement

The strategy doesn’t have everything our Coalition hoped for. It is light on new commitments. But what it does signal is that the Government is looking to build on the amazing work being done up and down the country to involve people in climate and nature action.  

The plan sets out five key principles that will guide the Government’s work on public engagement. These include communicating the action that is being taken. This is critical. Our latest Britain Talks Climate & Nature research shows that, whilst most British people care about climate change, they are not aware of the progress we’ve made and the action already being taken by the Government. Whether it’s the national ‘Warm and Fuzzy’ TV ad campaign to encourage people to install heat pumps or the 250 schools and NHS buildings to benefit from rooftop solar, there’s much for the Government to shout about. 

It’s also really pleasing to see that they will launch a new digital hub for retrofit advice – so people can find out about the support available to insulate their homes and install heat pumps. Retrofit isn’t just good for reducing emissions, it can improve people’s health and lower bills – and it’s great more people will be set to benefit. Tony from North Yorkshire is one such example, whose retrofitted home helps his wife and daughter manage their Raynaud’s disease and has helped lower their electricity bills by 30%. 

The Government is also showing through this plan that listening to communities and collaboration across generations cannot be an afterthought. Renewable energy developments can sometimes feel like they’re being imposed on communities. Our Britain Talks Climate & Nature research shows that 49% of people think consultations are just a tick-box exercise. 

But there’s so many great examples of effective public engagement happening that the Government can build on. The Cumbria Climate Assembly this year brought together a diverse group of 40 residents from across the county, selected through a random lottery. After hearing 30 hours of evidence, they made 17 recommendations across national politics, business, planning and more. We’re particularly pleased to see the annual ‘Energise Britain’ event will bring together these great examples of participatory climate action and the promise of a new Youth Climate and Nature Panel to give young people a seat at the table.

Finally, the plan doubles down on the Government’s commitments to ensure everyone can benefit from the clean energy transition and make green choices easier and cheaper. We know from our research that people are concerned about the costs of climate policy. By looking to commission research into how to make the climate transition as fair as possible, the Government show that they are putting people at the centre of climate action. 

The team at Climate Outreach look forward to working with the Government to roll out and build on the plan, a promising springboard for more accessible and impactful engagement with people across the country.  

Take a look at our latest insights and how to apply them for more meaningful engagement. 

Words by Hayden Banks, Advocacy Manager at Climate Outreach, with Tony’s story provided by the Local Storytelling Exchange.