North of Tyne:
Co-benefits in action

Local authorities can address the climate crisis while boosting health and wellbeing, creating better jobs and tackling poverty and inequality. Ashden is working with councils in the North of Tyne to create a new way of developing policies – one that delivers climate action and powerful community benefits.

The devolved powers of the UK’s metro mayors leave them well placed to lead a  ‘just transition’ to a low carbon economy. In the North of Tyne Combined Authority region (Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland), we’re helping authorities create plans focused on the day-to-day needs of local people. This effort builds on outstanding work already underway in the region.

These plans could deliver cleaner air, stronger local economies, better public transport or more parks and green spaces – all while simultaneously lowering emissions.

Working with local councils in North of Tyne

Over two years we’re bringing together council officers, elected officials and a broad range of local stakeholders, using creative tools to unlock a new policy development methodology – one that helps decision makers take a holistic and systems-based co-benefits approach. Crucially, we’re supporting staff from different parts of the three authorities to connect climate action with broader community benefits.

The project is focused on three areas. In each area, we will support authorities to discover and share models of good practice.

Project focus areas:

Active & Sustainable Travel

An older woman with a cup of tea sitting in arm chair

Fuel Poverty & Decarbonisation

Green Infrastructure

Bringing challenges to life

Our creative approach includes working with award -winning playwright and environmentalist Sarah Wood and actors from the region. Drawing on extensive research, Sarah has created four characters whose lives are heavily affected by local authority decisions.

This project is kindly funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and John Ellerman Foundation, and delivered by Ashden in partnership with the North of Tyne Combined Authority

News, resources and events for local authorities

Our towns and cities bulletin helps you deliver high-impact climate action. Discover useful tools and opportunities, whatever your council’s size and budget.

For more information about our North of Tyne work contact: vikki.leaney@ashden.org

North of Tyne:Co-benefits in action