No local government body currently has any statutory responsibility in respect of combating climate change.
Town and parish councils may act in the same way as a private individual if the have the Power of Competence under the Localism Act 2011. The requirements for this are:
- Two-thirds of councillors elected (even unopposed) rather than co-opted, and
- A suitably qualified parish clerk, such as the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA).
However, even without the Power of Competence, there are many other powers that can be used to support climate action projects. A full list is available here.