Overview

The Decarbonisation and Economic Strategy Bill aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the UK by 2030 while simultaneously eradicating economic inequality. It mandates the creation of a Green New Deal Commission to develop and implement a ten-year strategy encompassing environmental protection, economic transformation, and social equity.

Description

This bill places a legal duty on the Secretary of State to ensure net-zero carbon emissions and reduced economic inequality by 2030 and every subsequent year. A key element is the establishment of the Green New Deal Commission, a body tasked with creating a ten-year strategy to meet these goals.

Key aspects of the Green New Deal Strategy:

• Decarbonisation: Improving building energy efficiency, constructing zero-carbon housing, promoting sustainable transport, investing in renewable energy, and reducing consumption of meat, dairy, and single-use plastics.
• Habitat and Biodiversity: Enhancing flood defenses, improving water quality, reforestation, rewilding, and reducing pesticide use.
• Economic Policies: Creating living-wage jobs, establishing training opportunities, promoting worker-owned businesses, enhancing local economies, and implementing procurement policies to reduce carbon use.
• Economic Equality: Ensuring living wages, workplace representation, reviewing the living wage, equal access to resources, and community involvement in the transition to a zero-carbon economy.
• International Policies: Promoting international decarbonisation and equitable resource distribution, advocating for clean energy development, and transferring finance from fossil fuels to clean energy projects.

The bill also requires the government to report on its adherence to the strategy and mandates consultation with devolved administrations.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred under the Act by a Minister of the Crown or a government department, and any increase in sums payable under other Acts attributable to this Act, will be paid out of money provided by Parliament. No specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

• Government: The Secretary of State and various government departments will have new duties and responsibilities, including reporting on progress.
• Businesses: Businesses in high-carbon industries will likely face significant changes, requiring adaptation to meet decarbonisation targets. Businesses embracing sustainable practices may benefit.
• Workers: Workers in high-carbon industries may face job losses, but the bill aims to mitigate this through job creation in green sectors and training opportunities.
• Communities: Communities will be affected by changes in infrastructure, employment, and resource access. The bill aims to involve communities in the transition and ensure equitable benefits.
• Devolved Administrations: The Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Ireland administrations will be consulted on the strategy's implementation.

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