8th Report - The Seventh Carbon Budget
Select Committee
Environmental Audit Committee
HC 1327
4 March 2026
Government response
1st Special Report - The Seventh Carbon Budget: Government Response · published 11 Jun 2026
Recommendations & Conclusions
6 results
3
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
The Government should legislate for the Climate Change Committee’s recommended level of 535 MtCO₂e for...
Recommendation
The Government should legislate for the Climate Change Committee’s recommended level of 535 MtCO₂e for the Seventh Carbon Budget period. However, legislation must be accompanied by strengthened action to address the delivery risks identified in this report. (Recommendation, Paragraph 32)
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation to propose setting the seventh carbon budget at the Climate Change Committee's recommended level. However, it states that elements for strengthening action to address delivery risks will be carefully considered during the development of the delivery plan.
16
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Delivery of the Seventh Carbon Budget relies on nascent technologies and on greenhouse gas removals,...
Conclusion
Delivery of the Seventh Carbon Budget relies on nascent technologies and on greenhouse gas removals, including both land-based approaches and engineered removals, some of which face significant uncertainty over scale, cost, and delivery timescales. While these options are necessary for …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the importance of building resilience and states its plans already prioritise developed technologies, citing the Zero Emission Vehicles Mandate. Regarding Greenhouse Gas Removals, it welcomes a recent independent review, will consider its recommendations in due course, and will set out the role of GGRs in the delivery plan for carbon budgets 4-7.
18
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
The Seventh Carbon Budget delivery plan should set out explicit contingency arrangements, identifying in advance...
Recommendation
The Seventh Carbon Budget delivery plan should set out explicit contingency arrangements, identifying in advance how mitigation would be strengthened if nascent technologies or greenhouse gas removals are delayed or underperform. These contingencies should prioritise accelerating proven measures, including energy …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the importance of resilience, stating it already assesses opportunities, explores alternative policies, and prioritizes mature technologies. It welcomes the GGR Independent Review and will consider its recommendations, with the role of GGRs in CB7 and net zero to be set out in the forthcoming delivery plan for carbon budgets 4-7.
26
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Delivery of the Seventh Carbon Budget will depend more than ever on changes in how...
Conclusion
Delivery of the Seventh Carbon Budget will depend more than ever on changes in how homes are heated, how people travel, and how energy and goods are used across the economy. We are concerned that, while behaviour change is a …
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Government Response Summary
The government describes its existing approach to co-benefits and engagement, stating its commitment to inclusive and participatory approaches. It plans to launch an annual "Energising Britain" event in 2026 and create a new Youth Climate and Nature Panel under the Net Zero Council to embed young people's perspectives.
27
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
The Government should treat behaviour change for delivery of the Seventh Carbon Budget as a...
Recommendation
The Government should treat behaviour change for delivery of the Seventh Carbon Budget as a major national delivery challenge. Meeting this challenge should include sustained political leadership, clear accountability within Government, and coordinated action across departments. The Government should set …
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Government Response Summary
The government outlines several existing and new initiatives related to public engagement and participation, including a new annual Energising Britain event in 2026 and a Youth Climate and Nature Panel, but does not explicitly commit to a costed public engagement and delivery plan with clear objectives, milestones, and reporting as requested.
37
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
The Government must place local authorities at the centre of delivery of the Seventh Carbon...
Recommendation
The Government must place local authorities at the centre of delivery of the Seventh Carbon Budget by: • legislating for a clear statutory duty for local authorities in relation to net zero delivery; and • providing long-term, predictable funding to …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the essential role of local authorities and outlines £5 billion in funding for low-income households, with plans to integrate schemes from 2027/28 and establish a Warm Homes Agency. However, regarding a statutory duty for local authorities in net zero delivery, they are only aware of LGA consultations and plan to discuss findings and develop a framework, not legislate.