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EU Social Climate Fund risks inefficiency due to poor local consultation
The Local Alliance published a report raising alarm about the mismanagement risks of the Social Climate Fund (SCF), part of the EU’s Green Deal. The findings reveal that many Member States are not adequately consulting local and regional governments in designing Social Climate Plans, as required by SCF legislation. The report found that in 14 Member States, including Germany and Spain, consultations are often superficial or entirely bypassed, threatening the fund’s potential to support vulnerable households effectively.
Without genuine local engagement, the SCF risks missing its goal to alleviate energy and transport poverty, especially for marginalised groups like single-parent households and older people. The report emphasises the critical role of local governments in tailoring measures to community needs, calling for Member States to align investments with local climate action plans. With only six months left for Member States to submit their plans, the Local Alliance urges meaningful collaboration to ensure the SCF achieves its intended impact.
