Archived press release

Climate change must be at the heart of budget statement

2 December 2005

Measures to tackle climate change must be at the heart of Gordon Brown's pre-Budget statement on the 5th December, Friends of the Earth said today. Taking steps to cut emissions would be good for the economy and good for the environment.

Friends of the Earth is urging the Chancellor to adopt a number of green measures to help in the fight against global warming. These include increasing tax on gas-guzzling vehicles, including 4x4s, and giving cash incentives for motorists to buy greener cars, and helping householders to be more energy efficient around the home. Friends of the Earth is urging the Government to take action as part of its climate campaign, The Big Ask (www.thebigask.com).

Friends of the Earth's Economic Coordinator Simon Bullock said:
"The Chancellor must put climate change at the heart of his pre-Budget report. Doing so would bring massive economic and environmental benefits. He must seize the initiative and help make the UK the world's first low-carbon economy."

"Gordon Brown should introduce measures that encourage businesses and the public to reduce their carbon emissions. This would boost innovation and new technologies, cut our dependence on energy imports and reduce the threat of catastrophic economic costs from climate change. By adopting these measures the Government can help the UK get back on track for meeting its targets for tackling climate change. The Chancellor must show that he is serious about tackling global warming."

1. www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/newsroom_and_speeches/ ¬
press/2005/press_29_05.cfm

2. SUVs and 4x4s are amongst the most environmentally damaging, biggest gas guzzlers on Britain's roads. Despite this a Vauxhall Astra Estate pays the same VED as a 4.0 litre Land Rover Discovery, even though the Discovery churns out over twice as much carbon dioxide, the main gas causing climate change. Currently, there are not enough incentives to buy greener cars.

Friends of the Earth is calling on the Chancellor to introduce four new road tax bands - with £50 between each band - to encourage people to buy less-polluting cars. VED for the most polluting cars should be raised to £500 per year (within 5 years), with the cleanest, most fuel-efficient cars charged no VED (starting now).

According to the Department of Transport "a differential between bands of £50, would be enough for 33 per cent [of people about to buy a car] to choose a different car". Making these VED changes would lead to over nine million motorists paying lower road tax, and would result in cuts in carbon dioxide (the main greenhouse gas) of around four million tonnes by 2010.

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust