Martin has degrees in Law and (at Masters level) Urban Policy & Regeneration.
Local Partnerships Levelling Up Funds Toolkit
Martin Walker
10 May 2022
Introduction
A new toolkit for local authority funding bid preparation in advance of the next round of the Levelling Up Fund has been launched. It will help councils improve the quality of their Levelling Up Fund bids and select projects that are most likely to succeed in attracting an award.
Conclusion
Round 1 of the £4.8bn Levelling Up Fund awarded £1.7bn to councils in 82 areas across the UK.
Participation in open competitions is a time-consuming and skilled commitment for councils who are often resource constrained. It is important that, as we anticipate the launch of Round 2, councils have access to clear guidance on how best to score high marks in any bid evaluation process.
Local Partnerships was at the heart of the Round 1 bid appraisal process. We were particularly engaged in testing the deliverability of the projects in conjunction with MHCLG officials. We can therefore provide pragmatic advice on how to improve evaluation scores and I welcome this opportunity to help councils succeed. Sean Hanson previous Chief Executive
Share this
Explore related materials
Discover guides, toolkits and case studies that build on this topic
Local Government
Public Sector Delivery Body
Welsh Government
Resource Hub
Guidance
Website
The Local Energy Supply Guides from Ynni Cymru are available in English and Welsh and provide practical, accessible information to help organisations explore local energy supply opportunities and make better use of locally generated renewable energy. The guidance covers the key regulatory, commercial and technical considerations involved in developing local energy supply projects, helping organisations understand the options available and assess potential approaches.
The guides cover Behind-the-Meter Energy Systems, Private Wire Energy Systems and Licence Exempt Electricity Supply. They explain how each model works, the opportunities it may offer, and the factors organisations should consider before progressing a project. The guidance is designed for local authorities, public sector organisations, SMEs, voluntary and charitable organisations, community energy organisations, renewable energy developers and others interested in retaining more value from renewable energy within local communities.
Combined Authorities
Local Government
Resource Hub
Matrix
Toolkit
With recent heatwaves, wildfires, and droughts highlighting the growing impacts of climate change, it’s more important than ever for councils to understand and prepare for climate risks. Explore our two newly updated climate adaptation resources, both revised and refreshed to reflect the CCC’s Fourth Independent Assessment of UK Climate Risk (CCRA4-IA).
The UK Government has committed to reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, and 70% of local authorities in the UK have declared a climate emergency. Net zero cannot be achieved without adaptation.
Adaptation (in climate change context) is otherwise known as resilience or preparedness. Resilience is the ambition, adaptation is the method.
We need to adapt to the challenges that arise from the significant climate impacts we are facing in the UK, and take advantage of the opportunities.
Risk and Opportunities Matrix
Following user feedback we have updated the previously named risk register generator.
Local Government
Resource Hub
Tool
UPDATED – 29 July 2026 – Greenhouse Gas Accounting Tool
The Greenhouse Gas Accounting Tool has been developed by Local Partnerships in collaboration with the Local Government Association (LGA) to provide councils with a straightforward and consistent approach for calculating their carbon baseline and annual emissions reporting.
For assistance and feedback, please email ghgaccounting@localpartnerships.gov.uk
Contact Local Partnerships
Do you have a project you would like help with, or could we answer a question about our services? Please message us here.
Talk to Us
Hi there! Let us know if there’s anything we can help you with
Ready to start a conversation
We work best when we understand what matters most to you. Get in touch and let’s explore how we can help.