Greening the post-Covid recovery

Environmental Audit Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 13 May 2020 Closed: 27 Jul 2022 Parliament page
In May the Committee held a session on the environmental implications of the Covid-19 crisis. Witnesses stressed how critical it would be to align the post-crisis recovery stimulus with the UK’s goals on climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development – given the short window of opportunity remaining to keep global … Read more
29 Recommendations
9 Conclusions
1 Report
3 Oral sessions
4 Letters
4 Events
Activity timeline 10 events
22 Jun
2021
Report published
17 Feb
2021
Report published
17 Feb
2021
Correspondence
25 Jan
2021
Correspondence
14 Jan
2021
Correspondence
3 Dec
2020
Oral evidence
24 Sep
2020
Formal meeting · Virtual meeting
23 Jul
2020
Oral evidence
9 Jul
2020
Correspondence
21 May
2020
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 3 sessions
3 Dec 2020
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Panel 1; Panel 2
Andrew Forth · Royal Institute of British Architects Dr Steve Melia · University of the West of England Konstanze Scharring · Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Martha McPherson · Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP), University College London (UCL) Professor Jim Hall · National Infrastructure Commission Sarah Gordon · Impact Investing Institute Stephen Fitzpatrick · OVO Energy
23 Jul 2020
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Oral evidence
Caterina Brandmayr · Green Alliance Dimitri Zenghelis · Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment Melanie Leech · British Property Federation Richard Benwell · Wildlife and Countryside Link Sue Ferns · Prospect Trade Union Tom Thackray · CBI
21 May 2020
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Environmental Audit Committee
Christiana Figueres · United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Professor Cameron Hepburn · University of Oxford Professor Frank Kelly · Imperial College London Professor Kate Jones · University College London Professor Tim Lang · City University London's Centre for Food Policy Steve Waygood · Aviva Investors
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Third Report - Growing back better: putting nature and net zero … HC 347 17 Feb 2021 38 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
38 results
1 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Growing back better…
The consequences of another widespread outbreak of a zoonotic disease of similar lethality would be...
The consequences of another widespread outbreak of a zoonotic disease of similar lethality would be catastrophic. Covid-19 must therefore be treated as a wake-up call. The factors which appear to be increasing the incidence of such diseases must be thoroughly … Read more
Government Response
The government states its firm commitment and outlines a Five Point Plan to tackle zoonotic threats, including proposing a UK centre for zoonotic disease research, establishing a Global One Health Intelligence Hub, and leveraging presidencies of G7 and COP26 to drive international activity.
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2 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Growing back better…
The potential consequences of biodiversity loss for human populations have for too long been overlooked.
The potential consequences of biodiversity loss for human populations have for too long been overlooked. It is vital that nature recovery is also prioritised in our economic recovery efforts alongside action on climate change. If measures to promote economic recovery … Read more
Government Response
The government outlines significant commitments to prioritise nature recovery, including making it an international priority, investing £3 billion in nature-based solutions, and implementing domestic initiatives through the Environment Bill and the Green Recovery Challenge Fund.
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3 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Growing back better…
Policymakers owe it to everyone who has suffered during the pandemic to ‘grow back better’...
Policymakers owe it to everyone who has suffered during the pandemic to ‘grow back better’ from the crisis by creating a greener, healthier and more resilient UK. Fairness and the levelling up agenda must be central in efforts to secure … Read more
Government Response
The government commits to its "levelling up" agenda and details specific initiatives, including funding for skills, 8 Freeports, the £4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund, and investments in green industries like floating offshore wind, energy storage, and biomass, all aimed at creating a greener and more resilient UK.
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4 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Growing back better…
The speed at which we have developed the vaccine under pressure shows how rapidly scientific...
The speed at which we have developed the vaccine under pressure shows how rapidly scientific progress can be made when efforts are concentrated and urgent. We now need to apply that same level of urgency to developing and deploying the … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of accelerating investment for a green recovery, highlighting existing commitments such as £2.5 billion for building decarbonisation, an £80 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund, and the Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution.
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5 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Growing back better…
Levels of unemployment not seen in decades are now in prospect, on a scale which...
Levels of unemployment not seen in decades are now in prospect, on a scale which inevitably demands Government intervention. In its approach to the recovery, the Government should, as far as possible, front-load its investment in areas such energy efficiency, … Read more
Government Response
The government outlines significant existing investments that align with front-loading for a green jobs boost, including £2.5 billion for building decarbonisation, an £80 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund, and the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan mobilising up to £12 billion to create green jobs.
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6 Recommendation Deferred
Third Report - Growing back better…
We further recommend that the Government establish clear and ambitious statutory targets for the state...
We further recommend that the Government establish clear and ambitious statutory targets for the state of nature, waste minimisation, water quality and air quality under the Environment Bill once enacted. (Paragraph 50) 72 Growing back better: putting nature and net … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the Environment Bill creates a duty to set long-term, legally binding targets in priority areas and is working towards a public consultation on proposed targets for early 2022, thus deferring the actual establishment of targets.
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7 Conclusion Acknowledged
Third Report - Growing back better…
We congratulate the Bank of England on its laudable work highlighting the financial risks from...
We congratulate the Bank of England on its laudable work highlighting the financial risks from climate change in recent years. The Bank of England has led the world in this regard, not least by becoming the first central bank to … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's congratulation of the Bank of England's leadership in highlighting climate-related financial risks and publishing its own climate disclosure by quoting the committee's text.
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8 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Third Report - Growing back better…
The Government should clarify that the Bank’s monetary policy remit should include climate and nature...
The Government should clarify that the Bank’s monetary policy remit should include climate and nature objectives in the conduct of UK monetary policy, including when considering any extension of the Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) or future such mechanisms. We … Read more
Government Response
The government states the Chancellor updated the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee remit to include environmental sustainability and net zero objectives. However, for future CCFF support, it refers to broader intentions for mandatory TCFD-aligned disclosures across the economy by 2025, rather than a specific requirement for CCFF recipients.
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9 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third Report - Growing back better…
We also repeat our recommendation that the Bank writes to each CCFF loan recipient to...
We also repeat our recommendation that the Bank writes to each CCFF loan recipient to alert them that the Government’s Green Finance Strategy expects all listed companies and large asset owners to publish climate-related disclosures not later than
Government Response
The government's response details broader regulatory changes for mandatory climate-related financial disclosures by listed and large private companies but does not address the specific recommendation for the Bank of England to write to CCFF loan recipients to alert them.
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10 Recommendation Deferred
Third Report - Growing back better…
It is a matter of grave concern that the carbon intensity of the UK corporate...
It is a matter of grave concern that the carbon intensity of the UK corporate sector remains aligned with global temperature rises that would be catastrophic. We welcome the news that the Bank of England is exploring how it can … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is for the MPC to decide but notes the Bank of England will provide more information on its proposed approach to adjusting the Corporate Bond Purchase Scheme in the coming months, aiming to adapt by Q4 2021.
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11 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Growing back better…
We further recommend that the Government updates its Green Finance Strategy to add an explicit...
We further recommend that the Government updates its Green Finance Strategy to add an explicit objective to reduce the carbon intensity—and therefore the climate risk exposure—of the UK corporate sector and financial markets, such as the London Stock Exchange. The … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation in principle by committing to implement fully mandatory TCFD-aligned disclosures, which will require organisations to provide information to build awareness of climate risks, inform investment decisions, and drive the transition to a lower carbon economy.
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12 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third Report - Growing back better…
We welcome the publication of the Ten Point Plan, the National Infrastructure Strategy, and the...
We welcome the publication of the Ten Point Plan, the National Infrastructure Strategy, and the changes to the Green Book criteria for public infrastructure projects. We now call for greater urgency in publishing detailed strategies and policies to allow private … Read more
Government Response
The government details its investments and policies for decarbonising transport, including ending petrol/diesel car sales and funding EVs, but does not specifically address the call for greater urgency in publishing detailed strategies for private sector and industry investment.
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13 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third Report - Growing back better…
Infrastructure invested in now will be in use for decades to come.
Infrastructure invested in now will be in use for decades to come. It is essential that all decisions on infrastructure investment are considered against the net zero target, likely impacts on biodiversity and future projections of the changes in climate … Read more
Government Response
The government details its investments and policies for decarbonising transport, including ending petrol/diesel car sales and funding EVs, but does not address the recommendation to make nature recovery integral to all infrastructure plans from the start.
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14 Conclusion Rejected
Third Report - Growing back better…
The Government’s current approach to transport decarbonisation relies heavily on a consumer switch to the...
The Government’s current approach to transport decarbonisation relies heavily on a consumer switch to the purchase of electric passenger cars and vans as a consequence of banning the sale of certain petrol- and diesel-fuelled vehicles by 2030. Such heavy reliance … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the premise that it relies on a single policy lever for transport decarbonisation, detailing a multi-faceted approach including significant investments in EV charging and grants, tax incentives, and substantial funding for other clean transport technologies like cycling, buses, and R&D.
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15 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third Report - Growing back better…
We recommend that the Government set out, in its forthcoming transport decarbonisation strategy, what plans...
We recommend that the Government set out, in its forthcoming transport decarbonisation strategy, what plans it has for substantial long-term investment in better public transport and in traffic reduction measures, and how such investment will reduce levels of road congestion, … Read more
Government Response
The government details its investments and policies for decarbonising transport, including ending petrol/diesel car sales and funding EVs, but does not specifically set out its plans for substantial long-term investment in better public transport and traffic reduction measures within the forthcoming strategy.
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16 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third Report - Growing back better…
Each project within the Government’s Road Investment Strategy will no doubt be analysed for its...
Each project within the Government’s Road Investment Strategy will no doubt be analysed for its costs and benefits in accordance with Government guidance in the ‘Green Book’, as revised in November 2020. To ensure a green recovery, it is vital … Read more
Government Response
The government details its investments and policies for decarbonising transport, including ending petrol/diesel car sales and funding EVs, but does not address the recommendation for explicit appraisal of Road Investment Strategy projects against environmental commitments before approval.
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17 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third Report - Growing back better…
In supporting the development of strategic nationwide communications networks between urban centres, the Government must...
In supporting the development of strategic nationwide communications networks between urban centres, the Government must not overlook the importance to rural communities of hyper-local transport networks. Private car usage on well- maintained rural roads will of necessity continue to form … Read more
Government Response
The government details its investments and policies for decarbonising transport, including ending petrol/diesel car sales and funding EVs, but does not specifically address the importance of hyper-local transport networks or investment in low-carbon infrastructure for rural communities.
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18 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third Report - Growing back better…
Changes in ways of working during the pandemic have led to far greater levels of...
Changes in ways of working during the pandemic have led to far greater levels of working from home, in urban and rural areas. This has doubtless reduced commuter car usage in rural areas in particular. Home working can therefore contribute … Read more
Government Response
The government response discusses investments in decarbonising transport, including electric vehicles, cycling, buses, and various low-emission transport technologies, but does not address the recommendation to guarantee access to reliable internet and mobile connectivity.
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19 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Growing back better…
There is emerging evidence that areas of the world with higher concentrations of air pollution...
There is emerging evidence that areas of the world with higher concentrations of air pollution may be experiencing higher covid-19 mortality rates. The development of active travel infrastructure, designed to reduce traffic and promote walking and cycling in towns and … Read more
Government Response
The government commits £5 billion for cycling and buses over the current parliament as part of major investments in clean transport, which directly supports the development of active travel infrastructure.
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20 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third Report - Growing back better…
Significant Government investment in the development of carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) technology sends...
Significant Government investment in the development of carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) technology sends an important signal in the run up to COP26 74 Growing back better: putting nature and net zero at the heart of the economic recovery … Read more
Government Response
The government response discusses investments in decarbonising transport, including electric vehicles, cycling, buses, and various low-emission transport technologies, but does not address the recommendation to set out a CCUS strategy.
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21 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third Report - Growing back better…
The Government must publish a hydrogen strategy as soon as possible, setting out clear mechanisms...
The Government must publish a hydrogen strategy as soon as possible, setting out clear mechanisms to support the development of green hydrogen systems in the UK.
Government Response
The government response details investments in various transport decarbonisation technologies, including a Hydrogen Transport Hub, but does not commit to publishing a comprehensive hydrogen strategy as recommended.
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22 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Growing back better…
The switch to electric vehicles—a key component of the Government’s plan for achieving net zero—will...
The switch to electric vehicles—a key component of the Government’s plan for achieving net zero—will require the introduction of cutting-edge manufacturing processes to the UK’s automotive sector for the manufacture of electric vehicles and their batteries. It is estimated that … Read more
Government Response
The government has accepted the need for support, committing £500 million over four years for the development and mass-scale production of electric vehicle batteries and supply chain, alongside £1.88 billion for charging infrastructure and grants.
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23 Recommendation Not Addressed
Third Report - Growing back better…
The Government must ensure that its ‘build, build, build’ agenda has, at its heart, a...
The Government must ensure that its ‘build, build, build’ agenda has, at its heart, a commitment to delivering truly sustainable development by promoting the construction of low-carbon homes fit for a changing climate. We recommend that the Government introduce embodied … Read more
Government Response
The government highlights several schemes for decarbonising existing buildings and encouraging green homes, but does not address the specific recommendation to introduce embodied carbon targets for the construction of new homes.
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24 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Growing back better…
The manufacture of construction materials is a sector with the potential to make a significant...
The manufacture of construction materials is a sector with the potential to make a significant contribution to the path to net zero. We plan to examine this sector in greater detail in a forthcoming inquiry into the sustainability of the … Read more
Government Response
The government outlines several existing schemes, including the Local Authority Delivery Scheme and Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, which committed £1.3 billion for improving energy efficiency in 2021/22, as part of its efforts towards net zero and decarbonisation.
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25 Recommendation Rejected
Third Report - Growing back better…
We welcome the intention behind the Government’s Green Homes Grant It is disappointing that the...
We welcome the intention behind the Government’s Green Homes Grant It is disappointing that the administration of the scheme appears to be putting green jobs at risk, rather than creating them. Delivery has been poor for consumers and has led … Read more
Government Response
The government rejected the recommendation to overhaul and extend the Green Homes Grant scheme, opting instead to close it for new applications from 31 March 2021 due to delivery challenges, with remaining funding to be reallocated.
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26 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Growing back better…
The Government has promised £2.9 billion for support for public sector decarbonisation projects over the...
The Government has promised £2.9 billion for support for public sector decarbonisation projects over the five years to 2025. We consider that there is an urgent need for the front-loading of programme expenditure, and we recommend that as part of … Read more
Government Response
The government states that existing initiatives, including the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, are already on track to provide significant funding for energy efficiency upgrades in public sector buildings and social housing, with additional funding announced for local authorities.
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27 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Growing back better…
Investment in nature recovery projects could deliver a range of economic, environmental and social benefits.
Investment in nature recovery projects could deliver a range of economic, environmental and social benefits. As well as protecting UK wildlife, well designed schemes could create thousands of job opportunities, while improving flood resilience and locking more carbon in trees … Read more
Government Response
The government reiterates its commitment to improving the natural environment and highlights the £80 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund, which is already funding projects to restore nature, create jobs, and build skills.
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28 Conclusion Accepted
Third Report - Growing back better…
The lockdowns which have been imposed to counter the spread of covid-19 have given the...
The lockdowns which have been imposed to counter the spread of covid-19 have given the public compelling reasons to appreciate the value of neighbourhood green spaces in towns and cities. Projects designed to enhance urban biodiversity and to increase access … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the importance of urban green spaces and details existing initiatives such as the Urban Tree Challenge Fund, the National Model Design Code, and Local Nature Recovery Strategies, which aim to enhance urban biodiversity and improve access to green spaces.
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29 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Third Report - Growing back better…
We recommend that the Government, in developing further its strategy for economic recovery, give greater...
We recommend that the Government, in developing further its strategy for economic recovery, give greater priority to strategic projects aimed at encouraging nature recovery. The Government should work with conservation charities to pilot the idea of a National Nature Service … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts in part, outlining its commitment to a green recovery and highlighting the £80 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund, which supports nature-based projects, creates conservation jobs, and engages communities in nature restoration, but does not address piloting a National Nature Service.
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30 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Growing back better…
We welcome the Government’s announcement of a Sovereign Green Bond and consider that it has...
We welcome the Government’s announcement of a Sovereign Green Bond and consider that it has significant potential to incentivise a green recovery. We recommend that the Government undertake a full evaluation of the potential economic and social benefits of its … Read more
Government Response
The government commits to reporting post-issuance on the allocation of green bond proceeds, their environmental impacts, and important social co-benefits such as job creation, with further details to be provided in a Framework document.
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31 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Growing back better…
We further recommend that, in his forthcoming Budget Report, The Chancellor set out in detail...
We further recommend that, in his forthcoming Budget Report, The Chancellor set out in detail a plan to ensure that revenue from the Sovereign Green Bond is invested only in projects which deliver demonstrable, significant and measurable environmental benefit. Read more
Government Response
The government confirms that revenue from the Sovereign Green Bond will be invested in projects with environmental benefits, and a Green Bond Framework document, detailing the selection process and committing to post-issuance environmental impact reporting, will be published by the end of June.
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32 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Third Report - Growing back better…
We welcome the creation of a National Infrastructure Bank: we trust that the Government has...
We welcome the creation of a National Infrastructure Bank: we trust that the Government has learned from the experience of selling off the previous Green Investment Bank. We recommend that the Government give an unequivocal guarantee, supported in statute if … Read more
Government Response
The government commits to establishing the UK Infrastructure Bank as a permanent public sector institution via legislation. However, while the Bank's initial focus includes climate change, the government will only review the case for including nature recovery in its mandate before legislation is brought forward.
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33 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Growing back better…
The UK will host COP26 in November 2020.
The UK will host COP26 in November 2020. All eyes will be on the UK as an environmental world leader. The Chancellor’s Spring Budget must back this ambition, and ensure that the UK’s spending plans align with its net zero … Read more
Government Response
The government outlines its Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, which mobilises £12 billion investment to create green jobs and aligns with net zero and biodiversity commitments, further supported by green gilts and the new UK Infrastructure Bank.
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34 Conclusion Acknowledged
Third Report - Growing back better…
As the UK recovers from the immediate crisis, a shift towards green taxation could help...
As the UK recovers from the immediate crisis, a shift towards green taxation could help direct investment into job-rich low carbon activity, shift behaviour and increase resource and energy efficiency.
Government Response
The government recognises the role of taxation in encouraging environmental impact reduction and directing investment, citing existing carbon pricing mechanisms like the Carbon Price Support.
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35 Recommendation Rejected
Third Report - Growing back better…
The Government now has the latitude to propose the variation, or the abolition, of value...
The Government now has the latitude to propose the variation, or the abolition, of value added tax on certain categories of goods. We recommend that the Chancellor of the Exchequer bring forward proposals to reduce the rate of VAT on … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation to reduce VAT on repair services, products with reused/recycled materials, and green home upgrades, citing significant fiscal costs and the need to balance revenue losses.
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36 Recommendation Accepted
Third Report - Growing back better…
To support the accelerated uptake of ultra-low emission cars in the UK, further tax incentives...
To support the accelerated uptake of ultra-low emission cars in the UK, further tax incentives should be introduced to make these vehicles more affordable. Where current environmental taxes, such as Air Passenger Duty, are blunt in their effect, the Chancellor … Read more
Government Response
The government highlights existing tax benefits for zero and ultra-low emission vehicles, including zero Vehicle Excise Duty and favourable company car tax rates until 2024-25, and mentions a £1.88 billion commitment for plug-in grants and charging infrastructure. It states it keeps taxes under review and is consulting on reforms to Air Passenger Duty.
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37 Recommendation Deferred
Third Report - Growing back better…
One of the most economically efficient ways to incentivise low-carbon choices would be through the...
One of the most economically efficient ways to incentivise low-carbon choices would be through the introduction of an economy-wide carbon tax. The Government should begin scoping work on a carbon tax to incentivise low-carbon changes across the whole economy. Read more
Government Response
The government states that the Treasury’s Net Zero Review will consider the role of tax, alongside other levers, in meeting net zero, and highlights existing carbon pricing mechanisms like the UK ETS and Carbon Price Support.
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38 Recommendation Acknowledged
Third Report - Growing back better…
We recommend that the Government investigate the merits of carbon border adjustments, to accompany work...
We recommend that the Government investigate the merits of carbon border adjustments, to accompany work on a carbon tax, as one way of addressing carbon leakage. We recognise this would also require measures to ensure that such policies do not … Read more
Government Response
The government recognises carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAMs) as a potential approach to addressing carbon leakage but does not commit to investigating their merits, instead highlighting implementation challenges and compliance issues with trade rules.
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Government Response AI assessment · 38 of 29 classified
Accepted 16
Accepted in Part 3
Acknowledged 3
Deferred 3
Not Addressed 10
Rejected 3
Total 29 recs + 9 conclusions
Correspondence 4 letters
17 Feb 2021 To committee Letter from the Bank of England to the Chair on addressing the financial risks of climate change, dated 8 February 2021
Parliament page
25 Jan 2021 Chair to the Governor of the Bank of England, concerning the post-Covid recovery, dated 22 January 2021
Parliament page
14 Jan 2021 Chief Nursing Officer for England to Chair regarding single-use plastics and PPE, dated 18 September 2020
Parliament page
9 Jul 2020 To committee Letter from UK Health Alliance regarding Principles for a Healthy Recovery
Parliament page