A new Government Policy Paper, by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, has featured the work of the Climate Cumbria Assembly.

The policy report for “Energising Britain: Your voice in our Clean Energy Superpower Mission” promotes a new government backed public participation plan. Released on the 3rd December 2025, it aims to ensure everyone benefits, especially from involving citizens alongside other stakeholders in policy design and delivery.

Can acting locally inform national policy?

In the section on ‘Delivering this Plan’, the policy paper features a case study from the Cumbria Climate Assembly. A project which we have been facilitating and supporting throughout this year, through Zero Carbon Cumbria, a partnership of a wide array of local authorities, businesses and community groups, all working to reduce emissions in Cumbria.

We’re proud to see this work featured nationally and hope it strengthens the case for deeper, ongoing public participation in climate decision-making. Particularly inspiring for us is how the participants in the Cumbria Climate Assembly have gone on to champion their own recommendations, and that their powerful words have been heard.

“A cross-section of society from all walks of life can listen, share experience and, together, solve problems in a common sense, practical way that can be difficult for politicians to do alone.” Lauren, Assembly member.

What has been achieved?

The policy paper’s case study describes some of the process and what the impact has been so far.

An award winning online hub provides information about the initiative, the impact of climate change in the county and actions being taken locally to address it. Early in 2025 the Partnership commissioned the Cumbria Climate Assembly, funded by the National Lottery and facilitated by Shared Future.

It brought together over 40 randomly selected people from different walks of life, meeting on six occasions, including face to face, to hear evidence, discuss and debate how citizens can influence decisionmakers to take meaningful action on the climate crisis.

The group developed a set of principles and recommendations for local and national governments and businesses. Since it concluded, many of the participants have continued to advocate for the Assembly – meeting organisations, councillors and MPs across the county to share their experience and gather support for action on its findings, including the setting up of a permanent assembly in Cumbria – a proposition which is gathering steam.

You can find out more information and sign the Assembly ‘Charter’, with over 200 signatories, on the Zero Carbon Cumbria website.

“I started out a climate sceptic – now I understand how serious this is.”
Peter, Assembly member.

Recognising the importance of learning from everyday citizens

In her forward to the new policy paper, Minister for Climate, Katie White OBE MP says:

“This public participation plan sets out how we are working together with businesses, trade unions and civil society, to ensure everyone can benefit from the opportunities created by our mission. It explains how we are involving people in policy design and delivery, highlighting some of the exciting and innovative work going on at a local level.

As this plan makes clear, we will continue to support and champion these initiatives and do everything we can to protect future generations in a way which improves lives today.”

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Read the full report from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Read our latest update on the Cumbria Climate Assembly

Download our report of the Cumbria Climate Assembly

Find out more on the Zero Carbon Cumbria Website