Ultimately, a local council cannot expect to manage the entire response to climate change in its council area from its own resources, either financial or human.
There may already be climate groups active locally who can be contacted with a view to a joint approach – see more under Local Networks. There will almost certainly be individuals with special skills or knowledge such as building conservation or managing areas for wildlife that can be approached to be part of a joined-up effort (see a range of techniques under Communication).
Local people may be invited to a planning event either as part of a neighbourhood development plan process or a special event for climate change, such as recently at Holme Valley in West Yorkshire. Looking at issues by topic – housing, transport, energy – can be a good foundation for creating a joint action plan based on suggestions from the floor. Another useful outcome can be a combined council and community working party that meets regularly – please find a draft template for such a group here.
Local businesses are part of the community and will also have their own concerns about climate change, though it may be more effective to approach them individually rather than by email. Look for a business that is sufficiently enthused to contact other businesses about joined-up action – getting like to talk to like can work well.
Your neighbouring parishes and your local planning authority may also have ideas and opportunities to share about joint action, so get in touch with them as well. Co-operation may not mean less work, but rather better concerted action for a better result.