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2002,
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PRE-BUDGET STATEMENT: TWO STEPS FORWARD ONE STEP BACK
27 Nov 2002
The Chancellor announced two environmental measures in his statement.
- Landfill tax will increase by £3 a ton from 2005-6. This is
three times the current escalator. But the waste industry has said
that a total tax figure of £30 a ton is required to have a serious
effect and the Chancellor agreed. The current level of tax for active
waste is £13 a ton. Therefore, it will take until 2009 before
the Treasury gets there. This is a step in the right direction but
inadequate.
Supplementary information from the Treasury shows reform of the Landfill
Tax Credit Scheme will provide £100 million from 2003 for "sustainable
waste management" - which could be used to support recycling
etc. This is no more than half of what FOE believes is needed, but
is a significant step in the right direction.
- Reducing tax on bioethanol by 20p per litre. This is welcome.
While the Chancellor announced no increased support for renewable
energy sources, he did cut tax on North Sea oil. This break is worth
£170 million in 2003/4.
Friends of the Earth tax and budget campaigner Tim Jenkins said:
"The Chancellor's moves on Landfill Tax and bioethanol are welcome
- even if they do not go far or fast enough. But it seems
that he gave as much away in tax breaks on North Sea oil
as he raised on green taxation. The Treasury has got the point
about some green tax and spend measures, but this is still not a joined-up
green Budget."
Contact details:
Friends of the Earth
26-28 Underwood St.
LONDON
N1 7JQ
Tel: 020 7490 1555
Fax: 020 7490 0881
Web: www.foe.co.uk/feedback.html
