A "Mixed Diet" Budget?

Our response to today’s 2018 UK Budget from Martin Baxter, IEMA’s Chief Policy Advisor

In a budget pitched as “paving the way for a brighter future”, the Chancellor Philip Hammond delivered a mixed diet regarding environment and sustainability measures.

Martin Baxter, IEMA’s Chief Policy Advisor commented on key aspects of the budget, saying: “On the face of it the proposed plastic packaging tax should encourage higher levels of recycled content into plastic packaging, but we need to see how this fits into the broader resources and waste strategy and the longer-term goal of zero-avoidable plastic waste by 2042 as set out in the 25-year plan.

“Government’s earlier decision to not progress with the so called ‘latte tax’ was a missed opportunity.

“We welcome funding for tree planting linked to a woodland carbon guarantee scheme; this is notable as a move towards a ‘payment for ecosystem services’ approach and signals increasing potential relevance to the post Brexit future of UK farming and land management.

“Announcements concerning Artificial Intelligence (AI) are important and we need to give due consideration to the huge potential of AI in enabling sustainable low carbon transitions for the UK economy.

“IEMA members may be delighted to see commitments to skills development, research and scientific investments, and we look forward to understanding more about the specifics.”