Embrace local solutions to meet UK net-zero targets, MPs and peers urge

Exclusive: cross-party group recommends policies such as mortgage penalty for landlords who let energy inefficient homes

The country will need to embrace innovative, community based solutions to environmental and energy problems if the UK is to have any hope of meeting looming net-zero deadlines, a cross-party group of MPs and peers has recommended.

The new report by the all-party group on a green new deal argues for a combination of robust, top-down policies on green issues including localised power generation, food and transport schemes. Recommendations include a mortgage penalty for landlords who let energy inefficient homes, and also real community decision-making, notably on power schemes.