Overview

This bill amends the Climate Change Bill, focusing on clarifying the accounting of greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation and shipping, setting limits on carbon units that can be credited to the UK's carbon account, introducing charges for single-use carrier bags, and requiring annual reports on the efficiency and sustainability of the government's civil estate.

Description

Emissions from International Aviation and Shipping

The amendments clarify how emissions from international aviation and shipping are accounted for in the UK's carbon reduction targets. The bill specifies that the estimated amount of reportable emissions will be included in the calculation, using methods deemed appropriate by the Secretary of State or a designated committee.

Carbon Unit Limits

A new clause introduces a mandatory limit on the net amount of carbon units that can be credited to the UK's carbon account for each budgetary period. This limit must be set by the Secretary of State, taking into account advice from the Committee on Climate Change and consulting other national authorities. The process is subject to parliamentary approval.

Charges for Single-Use Carrier Bags

The bill introduces the power for relevant national authorities (in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) to implement charges on single-use carrier bags. Regulations concerning these charges, including civil penalties for non-compliance, are subject to parliamentary scrutiny.

Report on the Civil Estate

The bill mandates an annual report by the Treasury assessing progress on improving the efficiency and sustainability of government buildings. This includes reducing the size of the government's property portfolio and ensuring new buildings meet high energy performance standards. The report will detail any exceptions and is subject to parliamentary scrutiny.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. However, the introduction of charges for single-use carrier bags could generate revenue for the government, while improvements to the efficiency and sustainability of the civil estate could lead to long-term cost savings, though initial investment may be required.

Groups Affected

The bill affects various groups:

• Airlines and Shipping Companies: Will be impacted by the inclusion of their emissions in UK carbon accounting.
• Retailers: Will face new costs and administrative burdens from the charges on single-use carrier bags.
• Consumers: Will be directly affected by the carrier bag charges and indirectly impacted by government policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
• Government Departments: Will need to comply with new reporting requirements and implement policies to improve the sustainability of the civil estate.
• Environmental Groups: Will have a vested interest in the successful implementation of the bill's provisions.

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