Well Being Power

News UK November 2008

 * Fewer than one in twelve councils using Well Being Power, November 17 Nottinghamshire County Council has reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by using the Wellbeing Power to create a non-profit renewable energy company.

The Well Being Power was introduced in the Local Government Act 2000 to increase local authorities' capability to act on behalf of their areas. It allows principal local authorities in England and Wales to do anything they consider likely to promote the economic, social and environmental well-being of their area unless explicitly prohibited elsewhere in legislation.

The power has since been extended to eligible Parish Councils by last year's Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act. A survey by Aberystwyth University found that 75 per cent of parish and town councils were expecting to make use of the wellbeing power, once it is in operation. Secondary legislation is being drawn up, in order to bring it into operation later in 2008. Any parish or town council can decide to use the power, if it meets criteria that are currently being finalised.