Listening avidly to Alistair Darling's debut, it seemed most commentators had pretty dull expectations.  The interest in environmental and green measures is always there though, because they are fundamentally budget neutral - you tax polluters and give breaks for positive actions.

Some Disappointments

Well, he bottled out over fuel duty, delaying the rise til October.  Sure it's expensive but my Sister told me only last night that she chooses to drive to work because it's simply cheaper.  That can't be right.  Aviation's inclusion in emissions trading would be suggested.  Road congestion charging will be tendered.  Plastic bags will be left for the private sector another year.

Some Encouragements

In general the tone was positive for the environment.  There is always the suspicion that no concrete measure will come of the talk.  Energy efficiency measure for our homes will be supported with £26m for the Green Homes Service (a re-announcement) currently run by the Energy Saving Trust.

Plastic Bags

As he started talking about them, I thought for a moment there would be legislation now!  How exciting.  But no, we are promised action in 2009, and only if someone deems voluntary measure to be failing - an empty threat to the supermarkets.

Transport

Road tax seems to be the favourite at the moment.  Yet more fiddling and obfuscation.  New bands and first-year bonuses for efficient cars should incentivise change.  

Carbon Budgets

This is promised now for 2009 alongside the main budget and should certainly provide some interesting reading.  A good sign that the government is following sustainable business in looking at it's environmental impact as well as the financial.

Ambition

The over-riding tone was of lots of talk and lots of time.  An suggested increase in our committment to cutting CO2 by 80% (instead of 60%) won't be achieved by delaying decisions and putting off the tough measures required to convince people to change.  While the talk is useful, the action is essential.   

View and Add Comments