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Local Power Plans will need new energy partnership model to drive decentralised decarbonisation in UK, Localis report argues

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Press release

Embargo date: from 00.01 a.m., Tuesday 25th
March 2025

  • New report suggests that because local authorities remain essential in achieving net zero, a new model of public private partnerships must be forged to bridge the gap between national ambitions, local action and community benefit.
  • GB Energy must help usher in, through Local Power Plans a new wave of strategic partnerships to shape a coherent local energy strategy – providing a framework for grants, investment and development – which will in turn deliver local economic growth and secure community energy provision.
  • For Local Power Plans to remain politically viable at the place level, the government should consider moving the capital burden of renewable infrastructure away from household bill levies.

Local Power Plans will need new energy partnership model to drive decentralised decarbonisation in UK, Localis report argues

The government should consider shifting the capital burden of renewable infrastructure from household bills to keep local residents onside with plans to overhaul energy generation, a new report from the think-tank Localis has argued today.

The suggestion is contained in a new report entitled “Generating Hope: Local Power in Partnership”, in which Localis makes a series of policy recommendations to central and local government and industry that would ensure Local Power Plans – a key component of Great British Energy (GB Energy) – drive the decarbonisation of energy at the local level.

For the agenda to succeed, a new model of public-private partnerships (PPPs) will prove crucial for mobilizing resources, expertise, and funding for this effort and for smaller, community-led initiatives, bridging the gap between national ambitions and local action, the study argues.

According to the report authors, such partnerships must be strategic, and long-term and able to transform approaches to decentralizing and decarbonising the UK’s energy system by empowering communities, reinvesting profits locally, and addressing socio-economic disparities.

The research study, commissioned by E.ON UK, emphasises that overcoming obstacles will require a framework that recognizes the roles of both the public and private sectors at the local level.

Local authorities can act as place leaders, landowners, employers and development authorities, the paper notes, leveraging their powers to promote renewable energy projects and incorporate energy considerations into development plans.

Localis head of research, Joe Fyans, said: “Local authorities will be essential in achieving net zero, as a significant portion of UK carbon emissions fall within their scope of action.

“The report identifies multiple barriers hindering the further deployment of renewable energy, including technical challenges such as grid infrastructure unpreparedness and skills gaps within local authorities.

“Financial obstacles include high upfront costs and investor perceptions of risk, and political barriers include potential public opposition and a lack of clear policy support.

“The solutions to these problems must emphasize the potential for renewable energy to address socio-economic challenges related to the energy trilemma of sustainability, security, and affordability.”

Jonathan Werran, chief executive, Localis, said: “The recent announcement of Great British Energy’s first major project to put rooftop solar panels on around 200 schools and 200 NHS sites has fired the starting gun in the race to empower local communities to generate their own clean energy this parliament.

“However, if we are serious about unleashing the full power of the local state, it is clear Local Power Plans will require a new model of strategic, long-term energy partnerships to transform how we decentralise and decarbonise the UK’s energy system.

“By fostering direct collaboration among local energy stakeholders, these new model partnerships could bypass traditional barriers to innovation such as fragmented decision-making structures and lengthy tender processes, allowing for more agile and resilient responses to local energy challenges, empowering communities, and reinvesting profits locally.

“To make these work at the level of place, central government should build on successful examples of strategic energy partnerships and produce a contracting framework for local authorities to procure strategically for the long-term benefit of their communities.”

END


Press enquiries:

Jonathan Werran, chief executive, Localis
(Telephone) 0870 448 1530 / (Mobile) 07967 100328 / (Email) [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

  1. An advance copy of the report is available for download

https://www.localis.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Localis-Generating-Hope-Report-A5-MAR25-PRF05-Interactive.pdf

  1. About Localis

Localis is an independent think-tank dedicated to issues related to politics, public service reform and localism. We carry out innovative research, hold events and facilitate an ever-growing network of members to stimulate and challenge the current orthodoxy of the governance of the UK.

www.localis.org.uk

  1. Key Report Recommendations: constructing a Local Power Plan

The establishment of GB Energy and the promise of a Local Power Plan represent huge potential to transform central-local relations in the energy transition. The recommendations below, drawn from the research carried out for this project, present some considerations for the key actors involved in the production and implementation of the Local Power Plan.

Enabling the Local Power Plan

Enabling the local power plan will require concerted action across departments, integrating the ambitions of GB Energy with the planning reforms forthcoming from MHCLG, the overall net zero ‘mission control’ of DESNZ and the strategic spatial energy plan of the National Energy System Operator. Action must also accord with the devolution policy and facilitate the upskilling of actors at local authority and community level. To create the conditions for success at local level, central government should:

  • Produce legislation to formalise local area energy planning to ensure new development contributes to the energy transition whilst also gaining a clearer national picture of future grid demand.
    • This could involve integrating LAEPs with the Local Plan process, or ensuring that completed and approved Local Plans have a statutory LAEP attachment.
    • These plans should feed into future iterations of the National Energy System Operator’s strategic spatial energy plan.
    • Frameworks for producing LAEPs should not be overly restrictive, allowing for local variation.
  • Consolidate funding streams for clean energy projects in local areas.
  • Build community capacity to engage with energy projects.
    • This would involve working with the community and voluntary sector to build government-funded projects for training and development of community groups looking to get involved with decentralised energy.
  • Establish regional energy data centres to help local authorities make evidence-led plans.
    • This initiative could connect with the plans for subregional data analytics centres headed up by strategic authorities, as announced in the English Devolution White Paper.
  • Streamline the application process for grid connection to help communities realise the benefits faster.
  • Invest in local government skills programmes to allow councils to recruit, train and retain staff who can engage with the energy market.

Delivering the Local Power Plan

The delivery of a successful Local Power Plan will require concerted action across sectors and levels of government.

  • Central government should:
    • Provide local authorities with support in procurement and contracting to access complex markets.
      • This could involve utilising the Local Net Zero Hub network to extend government support for procurement officers and policy teams in developing tenders, specifications and contracts.
    • Provide capacity support for planning applications, to accelerate the planning process for new local infrastructure.
      • The technical detail of some energy infrastructure planning applications prevents timely resolution, a central government funded support hub could act as a mechanism to address this problem.
    • Build on successful examples of strategic energy partnerships to produce a contracting framework
      for local authorities looking to procure long-term public-private partnerships.
  • Local government should:
    • Provide robust data and measurement mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation.
    • Target quantifiable benefits to local communities.
    • Develop financial instruments such as Community Municipal Investments and Green Bonds to help support local communities.
    • Embed Green Public Procurement in their procurement of energy services and utilities.
  • Private sector partners should:
    • Practice meaningful community consultation
      over the direction of projects and funding.
    • Prioritise local job creation in delivering projects.
    • Work with a local supply chain to ensure the retention of economic benefits.

Making the Local Power Plan work

To ensure that the Local Power Plan is politically viable at place level, government should consider moving the capital burden of renewable infrastructure away from household bill levies. The government should also consider the reintroduction of feed-in tariffs to help enable participation.

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Paraguay President Santiago Peña Resigns Amid Bank Collapse

Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña resigns amid a bank collapse impacting millions, sparking a major financial crisis.

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Paraguay President Santiago Peña Resigns Amid Bank Collapse

On November 5, 2026, Paraguay’s political landscape was dramatically reshaped as President Santiago Peña resigned amid a severe financial crisis. This crisis, characterized by the collapse of a major bank, has left millions of Paraguayans with frozen savings, triggering widespread financial instability across the nation [The Guardian, November 2026]. The resignation came after intense public pressure, reflecting the profound impact of the banking sector’s failure on the country’s socio-economic fabric [The Guardian, November 2026].

The immediate catalyst for Peña’s resignation was the unprecedented bank failure that exposed significant vulnerabilities in Paraguay’s financial system. This collapse not only froze millions of savings but also drew international scrutiny to the country’s fiscal management [BBC, November 2026]. The banking debacle underscored the systemic issues within Paraguay’s financial institutions, raising questions about regulatory oversight and governance that have yet to be fully addressed.

Peña’s decision to step down was formally communicated through an official announcement, marking a pivotal moment in Paraguay’s political history [BBC, November 2026]. This move was largely seen as a response to growing unrest and a loss of confidence in his administration’s ability to manage the crisis effectively. The president’s resignation has opened a leadership vacuum at a critical juncture, as the nation grapples with stabilizing its economy and restoring public trust.

The international community has been closely monitoring the developments in Paraguay, with the bank collapse serving as a cautionary tale of financial mismanagement [BBC, November 2026]. While specific international responses were not detailed, the situation has likely prompted discussions on the need for stronger financial governance frameworks in similar emerging markets. The crisis has highlighted the interconnectedness of global financial systems and the potential repercussions of inadequate oversight.

As Paraguay faces this economic turmoil, the focus now shifts to the interim leadership and their strategies to mitigate the crisis’s impact. Restoring the public’s access to their frozen assets will be a priority, alongside implementing reforms to prevent future financial collapses. The path forward will require decisive action from both domestic policymakers and international financial bodies to ensure stability and confidence in Paraguay’s banking sector.

The ripple effects of this financial crisis extend beyond Paraguay, as regional economies assess their vulnerabilities to similar shocks. The need for robust risk management practices and transparency in financial dealings is underscored by this situation. Paraguay’s experience may serve as a catalyst for broader financial reforms within the region, promoting resilience against potential economic disruptions.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of Paraguay’s response to the crisis. The interim leadership’s ability to navigate these challenges will set the tone for the country’s economic recovery and political stability. Observers will be keenly watching for signs of progress as Paraguay seeks to rebuild its financial credibility and restore normalcy for its citizens.

Peña’s resignation, though a significant political event, is just the beginning of a complex recovery process for Paraguay. The nation’s future hinges on its capacity to implement necessary reforms and regain the confidence of both its people and the international community. The lessons learned from this crisis will likely inform future policy decisions, shaping Paraguay’s path toward economic resilience.

In the aftermath of this crisis, Paraguay’s financial system will inevitably undergo scrutiny and transformation. The global financial community will be attentive to how Paraguay addresses its systemic issues, with the potential for this situation to become a case study in crisis management and reform. The developments in Paraguay may influence how emerging economies structure their financial governance in the years to come.

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FBI Identifies North Korea as Culprit in $6.3 Billion Binance Crypto Hack

FBI attributes $6.3B Binance crypto hack to North Korea, raising security concerns. Binance covers 90% of losses.

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FBI Identifies North Korea as Culprit in $6.3 Billion Binance Crypto Hack

In a striking attribution of cyber malfeasance, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has named North Korea as the perpetrator behind a colossal $6.3 billion hack on Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. This revelation underscores persistent cybersecurity vulnerabilities and intensifies geopolitical tensions already fraught with complexity [The Guardian, November 2026].

The breach, now recognized as the largest of its kind, has sent shockwaves through the digital asset community, raising urgent questions about the robustness of current security protocols within the crypto industry [Al Jazeera, November 2026]. Despite the significant financial blow, Binance has demonstrated resilience by covering a substantial 90% of the losses, reflecting its commitment to maintaining user trust and stability [The Guardian, November 2026].

Binance’s response to the hack has been proactive, involving collaboration with international law enforcement agencies to pursue recovery of the stolen assets. A spokesperson from the exchange affirmed, “We are working closely with law enforcement to recover the funds,” indicating a strategic approach to mitigate the consequences of this unprecedented breach [The Guardian, November 2026].

The scale of the hack, valued at $6.3 billion, places it squarely in the spotlight of global financial and security discussions. It serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in digital finance systems, particularly as they become more entwined with global economic infrastructures [Al Jazeera, November 2026].

North Korea’s involvement in such a high-profile cybercrime reflects broader geopolitical dynamics, where state-sponsored hacking has become a tool for economic gain and political leverage. This attribution by the FBI further complicates diplomatic relations and underscores the need for coordinated international responses to cyber threats [The Guardian, November 2026].

The incident has not only affected Binance but has also sent ripples across the broader cryptocurrency market, prompting investors and exchanges to reassess their security measures. The hack’s magnitude highlights the urgent need for enhanced protective measures and industry-wide collaboration to fortify digital asset exchanges against future threats [Al Jazeera, November 2026].

In the wake of this cyber assault, Binance’s robust response and coverage of losses may set a precedent for how exchanges handle such adversities in the future. It also emphasizes the critical role of transparency and accountability in maintaining user confidence and market integrity [The Guardian, November 2026].

As the situation unfolds, the interplay between cybersecurity and international politics will likely intensify, with potential repercussions for regulatory frameworks governing digital assets. The hacking incident serves as a catalyst for ongoing debates about the balance between innovation and security in the realm of cryptocurrency [Al Jazeera, November 2026].

Looking forward, the focus will remain on how Binance and other cryptocurrency platforms adapt to these evolving threats. Their ability to enhance security protocols and foster international cooperation will be crucial in defining the future landscape of digital finance. The world will closely monitor these developments, particularly as they relate to North Korea’s cyber capabilities and intentions [The Guardian, November 2026].

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Naboo Expands with Acquisition of UK Events Platform Pro-ven

Naboo has acquired UK M&E spend specialist pro-ven, which becomes Naboo UK, keeping all 20 staff and its founder.

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Naboo Expands with Acquisition of UK Events Platform Pro-ven

Naboo, the Paris-based meetings and events (M&E) spend management platform, announced on 27 October 2026 that it has acquired pro-ven, a UK specialist in venue sourcing and event procurement, for an undisclosed sum. The companies say the combination creates the world’s largest pure-play provider of M&E spend management and venue sourcing.

Founded in 2005, pro-ven helps corporate and association clients manage meetings and events spending through venue and supplier sourcing, contract negotiation, approval workflows, invoicing and payment management. It generates around €30 million in annual transaction value and brings enterprise clients including Unilever, Virgin Media and Sony. Following the deal, Naboo says the combined business will manage around $300 million (€268 million) of meetings and events spend.

Under the terms of the deal, pro-ven’s Hertfordshire office becomes Naboo’s UK headquarters and the business will operate as Naboo UK. All 20 pro-ven employees are being retained, and founder and managing director Julian Laxon will stay on to help grow Naboo’s UK presence. Existing pro-ven clients keep the same account teams and commercial arrangements, while gaining access to Naboo’s AI-driven technology platform and international network.

Naboo says the acquisition was financed equally through equity and borrowing. It follows the company’s $70 million (€58.7 million) Series B round in February 2026, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners with participation from existing investors Notion Capital, ISAI and Ternel.

The UK is not a new market for Naboo, which has operated there since 2024. CEO and co-founder Maxime Eduardo said the deal is primarily about accelerating growth in what he called a huge market for the company and adding enterprise customers. “Together with pro-ven, that is the leader we are building,” he said.

The acquisition caps a busy period for Naboo, which recently unveiled a new brand identity and opened its first Asia-Pacific office in Singapore, following its expansion into North America with offices in Montreal and New York.

Sources: Business Travel News; EU-Startups; CIT World; The Business Travel Magazine.

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