BUDGET IS ALL MOUTH AND NO TROUSERS ON ENERGY AND NOTHING FOR OUR COUNTRYSIDE

John Flesher, Acting Executive Director for the Conservative Environment Network, said: 

“This Budget is all mouth and no trousers on cutting the cost of energy. Extending the VAT cut on bills and giving out cash payments this winter are sticking plasters that fail to fix a broken system. The sky-high power prices faced by consumers and businesses demand more than warm words, tinkering, and taxpayer-funded handouts. Cheaper electricity is essential for tackling the cost of living, incentivising the uptake of clean technologies, and cutting emissions.

“The Government’s 2030 clean power target must go and the Budget concedes that it could drive bills up further. It’s high time that the Government officially dropped this expensive target and set out a proper plan to cut the cost of new energy infrastructure, modernise the grid, and permanently reduce electricity bills. 

“The Budget is also once again hugely disappointing for everyone who loves our countryside, with core funding for farming and nature continuing to be eroded by inflation. The Chancellor has ignored the urgent need to better support farmers at a time when they are facing rising costs and dealing with the devastating impact of extreme weather caused by climate change. We cannot expect to restore British nature and boost our food security until that budget is uprated in line with inflation.”