Environment Secretary, David Miliband, today welcomed the carbon-cutting measures in the Chancellor’s Budget as the next steps towards a low-carbon economy.  

The Budget contains measures for Government, business and individuals to further tackle climate change.Last week Britain became the first country in the world to set out a long term legal framework for the transition to a low carbon economy in its draft Climate Change Bill.  

Following the Budget statement, David Miliband said:“Today's Budget builds on the landmark Climate Change Bill we announced last week, together helping to make Britain a low carbon economy. The new measures will encourage individuals, business and Government to reduce carbon emissions from homes, transport, energy use and waste.  

 “Climate change is a global issue and, as well as encouraging action at home, this Budget will help cut carbon emissions internationally. The new Defra/ DfID £800 million joint fund will help to deliver environmental benefits in developing countries, starting with protection against deforestation in the Congo Basin.” 

  Deforestation accounts for nearly one fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions.

 The green finance measures in the Budget include:

·           Landfill Tax to rise to encourage the development of alternatives to landfill 

·          Inflation-only increase in climate change levy 

·          Further details of a Stamp duty exemption for zero carbon homes

·           Further use of Vehicle Excise Duty to incentivise the purchase of low carbon cars 

·          No income tax or capital gains tax for income derived from micro-power generation in the home

·           Phasing-out of high-energy light bulbs in the UK by 2011

·            Incentives for biofuel development and use

·           Competition for a carbon capture and storage demonstration

·           An £800m window of the international Environmental Transformation Fund for environmental   protection, including £50m for the Congo   Basin. 

 

 The Government will also set out its policy in the coming months on carbon emissions from the energy and waste sectors in the Energy White Paper and Waste Strategy Review.