Budget 201018 June 2010
One of the first tests of the new Government's pledge to be 'the greenest ever' will be their first Budget - to be unveiled on 22 June.
The sensible way out of the economic downturn is backing measures that help kickstart a low-carbon economy - creating jobs and business opportunities as well as tackling climate change.
Business as usual is not an option.
We've set out a comprehensive list of steps we want to see the Chancellor take.
We know the focus of this Budget will be cutting the deficit. But at this delicate time for the UK economy any cuts and tax rises should penalise pollution and not people.
Slashing public spending hurts families and communities, lowers the amount of tax generated and means people have less cash to spend elsewhere in the economy.
Instead the Treasury must tax and spend more cleverly. That means measures like:
- Overhauling aviation taxation
This could raise £3bn a year. - Cut wasteful road building
Saving £4.5bn a year which could help cut the deficit and support alternatives like Smarter Travel Choices - Bringing in a Robin Hood Tax
This would raise £1.5bn a year.
Green technologies like renewable electricity and heat will be one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK and beyond. But they need proper support if they are to flourish.
Investing in energy efficiency will help businesses, households and local authorities save money.
And new green jobs will also be cost-effective, creating more employment per pound than money spent on polluting alternatives.
Cutting carbon has to be at the centre of all of the Government's big decisions over the coming years.
That starts now.
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