December newsletter from CLASP

CAA - Regional Summary Tables

NWIEP have compiled some useful, at-a-glace comparison tables of NW authority performance in both the Area Assessment and Organisational Assessment.
 

NI 188 - Defra Update

Analysis of NI 188 Returns

Defra have recently made public the executive summary of their report into the first year of NI 188. The executive summary of "NI 188 Year 1 Review and Analysis" is available to download here.

A letter to all NI 188 adaptation leads is also available to read and provides a useful quick comparison of regional performance. The North West authorities have performed above average for the country and look well placed for the second year of NI 188.

The public executive summary only contains an overview of the analysis.  The main report contains direct comment on a selection of NW authorities' returns.  If you would like to find out if this includes yours, and what is said, please contact Paul Stowers at GONW via 0151 224 6448

NI 188 - How Was It For You?
 
Defra is seeking the views of Local Authorities on the adaptation indicator, NI 188, via a short online questionnaire.
 
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BQYMT2G

It asks questions important to the future of NI 188 such as "Do you think it should remain a process-based indicator?"  and about whether you support NI 188 remaining a self-assessed indicator.  Please do complete this and use the opportunity to flag up any concerns you have, and any requests e.g. for feedback in the future.

New Directory of Support

Sometimes it's difficult to see the wood for the trees when it comes to the range of climate change and low carbon support programmes, advice and funding streams, however IDeA have produced a directory that filters support by type, focus and region.
 
The interactive guide is here (use the filter matrix on p5)

A printable version of the guide is here (no filter facility)

Funding Update

Low Carbon Funding Finder Tool
 
A significant number of funding schemes exist to support the development and uptake of low carbon technologies at regional, national and European levels.  Envirolink NW are trying to make it as simple as possible for you to filter these down to those that are most relevant. 
 
A Low Carbon Funding Finder Tool has been developed that is free to use (but you must register) and can help public private or not for profit organisations identify suitable funding sources from over 250 schemes, dependant on the type of organisation and the nature of the project.

Or if you just want a broader overview of the principle low carbon funding sources, key funding criteria and deadlines, you can download the pdf low carbon funding guide.

CLASP Funding

The next closing date for the CLASP Local Partnerships Small Projects Fund is Wednesday 6th January.  Only 1 more funding round will follow (April 2010) and early applications are encouraged.  At present significant funding remains available for innovative projects that will have strong benefits for the wider CLASP network, as well as the partnership receiving the grant.  Click here to find out more. To discuss ideas ahead of submission please contact ailsa@clasp-nw.info  

NWIEP Capital Fund - £3.7million available

Following the Government's announcement last month, the NW Improvement and Efficiency Partnership has £3.7 million to invest in innovative capital projects that will meet its priorities. In a series of 'X Dens' around the North West, a panel of experts will hear pitches from organisations with innovative ideas for improvement and efficiency projects.  To find out more email Alexia.Mitton@wigan.gov.uk  

What Are You Up To?

In the New Year CLASP is planning on doing some work to raise the profile of your activities and achievements around the NW and with national partners.  So if you have any good news stories (on any climate change related subject) that you would like to share with the NW and wider audiences please email ailsa@clasp-nw.info  
 
We're not necessarily looking for "best practice".  Often "good enough practice" or "actually-this-is-what-not-to-do-and-why practice" is far more useful for others to learn from.
 
You can send as much or as little detail as you like. As an example, here's one Lancashire provided to IDeA about sharing resources on adaptation.

NI 185 - Places Available on Carbon Management Programme

There are a few places available on the next phase of the Carbon Trust's LA Carbon Management Programme which starts in May 2010.
 
This will be the 8th round of the programme whereby the Carbon Trust provides technical and change management guidance to help Local Authorities establish a disciplined approach to carbon reduction across all Council activity. To date over 260 organisations across the UK (including many NW LAs) have worked with the Carbon Trust to develop their Carbon Management Plans.
 
To find out more information, please visit www.carbontrust.co.uk/la and register your interest by the end of 2009 by emailing publicsector@carbontrust.co.uk 
 
 Been there and done that?
 
Authorities that were involved in earlier rounds of the Programme - If you are planning a refresh of your carbon management plan, or are looking to focus work on any particular aspect, the Carbon Trust is also able to assist you with this.  Please contact Tom Cumberledge via publicsector@carbontrust.co.uk  and let him know what you are up to now.
 

Regional Publications

There was some discussion in the recent CLASP Focus Groups about regional studies including two new reports - an Assessment of the Skills Provision for a 'Well Adapted and Low Carbon Northwest' and a new study into the NW Public Perception of Climate Change.

Unfortunately these two reports are still embargoed, however the January newsletter will contain a round-up of recent publications, links to them, and some key headlines for Local Authorities.