South Tyneside

Brown fails the green test

Environmental campaigners South Tyneside Friends of the Earth has slammed Chancellor Gordon Brown's 2006 Budget for failing the environment. Whilst the Budget contained some sound carbon reduction measures, such as applying a zero rate tax for low emission cars, on the whole it has been a disappointment for environmental campaigners hoping for a truly 'green' budget.

Spokesperson Bryan Atkinson said:

"Despite his promises to recognise the dangers of global warming, Chancellor Gordon Brown has failed yet again to provide an adequate Budget response to the threat of climate change. His feeble patching attempts to produce a green budget will have a negligible effect on carbon emissions.

"He could have helped householders by reducing VAT on home insulation, introduced nationwide council tax rebates and cut stamp duty for low-carbon, energy efficient homes. This would encourage householders to be more energy efficient and install micro-generation systems. Householders would have been further helped by the introduction of tax breaks, grants and other incentives to install micro-generation systems to enable people to generate their own electricity and contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions.

"Carbon emissions have risen since Labour came to power, and that looks set to continue after Mr Brown's Budget. We need bold and brave commitments to reducing carbon emissions. Environmentally, Mr Brown's Budget is a failure."

Notes

1. South Tyneside FOE online: http://www.stfoe.org.uk/
2. The Big Ask: http://www.thebigask.com
3. Bryan Atkinson is standing for Green Party councillor for the Beacon and Bents ward in the forthcoming council elections.

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