Comment on Budget 2021

Commenting on the Budget revealed earlier today by Chancellor Rishi Sunak [1], Dr Jonathan Marshall, Head of Analysis at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said:

“Amid talk of green recoveries and commitment to green growth, the Budget contained an alarming lack of measures to cut emissions. Each passing fiscal event without required actions only accentuates the gap between current policies and those needed to get on track to net zero.

“Unnecessary uncertainty over home efficiency upgrades, clean transport and low carbon industry would be worrying at the best of times. Mid-pandemic, when businesses and industries are crying for stability, this lack of direction is remarkably short-sighted. Without long-term, properly costed policies, there is scant evidence that Government is facing up to the next challenges that net zero brings.

“On the other hand, the new Infrastructure bank alongside measures to green the Bank of England bring real promise. As ever, though, more detail is needed.”