The Local Climate Engagement Programme (LCEP) is an innovative programme that uses a combination of training, mentoring, peer learning and hands-on support to assist local authorities in engaging communities on climate decision-making.
In 2022, Warwick District Council, in partnership with Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Warwickshire and West Midlands Association of Local Councils (WALC), was one of only five UK local councils to successfully secure ‘project group’ funding.
South Warwickshire’s pilot with three rural communities implemented different public engagement activities in Alcester, Henley-in-Arden and Marston Sicca. You can see more about this in the video below.
The Steering Group, made up of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Warwick District Council and the Warwickshire and West Midlands Association of Local Councils (WALC), continues to work with its initial pilot communities, and has set out its ambitions for the next two years:
- To work with community groups/town and parish councils to develop projects or action plans which incorporate community engagement with emphasis on reaching those not usually involved in the community/climate change
- To showcase good practice and develop networks to allow community groups/parish and town councils to work together and share experiences. To assist them to turn plans into reality by helping community groups/parish and town councils to make the connections or seek out technical expertise, funding opportunities or case studies required.
Currently, Officers from the South Warwickshire LCEP are working with two additional parish councils – Wellesbourne and Burton Green - to assist the council and its community to develop climate and nature projects. This will involve community consultation, technical expertise, and an engagement event in each, assistance in development of a plan, advice on funding/fundraising, ongoing support.
If you’d like to have a conversation with the team to find out about support resources available including best practice, templates, funding advice and case studies, email swclimate.engagement@warwickdc.gov.uk
Newsletter
As part of the Local Climate Engagement Programme, we produce a bi-monthly newsletter which showcases best practice from rural and urban communities across South Warwickshire, and provides information on the latest fundraising and training opportunities.
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