Government report pledges green policies for autumn

June 23rd 2010

The government has pledged that a range of low-carbon policies are being developed for autumn.

Many low-carbon businesses were left disappointed by Chancellor George Osborne's emergency budget yesterday, in which green issues barely featured.

However, such frustration was eased with the Budget Report from the Treasury, which maintained that the coalition plans to be the "greenest government ever".

According to the document, the leadership will announce a range of energy reforms, as well as proposals for addressing the climate change levy.

The report also states the government's intention to boost the green transport sector by reforming company tax in order to encourage businesses to purchase low and zero-carbon vehicles.

Further proposals on how to create a green investment bank are set to follow the spending review, which the government has scheduled for October 20th.

"The government is considering a wide range of options for the scope and structure of the green investment bank," the report said.

"The options will be evaluated for effectiveness, fiscal affordability and transparency."

Despite initial disappointment with the budget, green business groups have said it is too early to judge the government's commitment to environmental issues.