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£400 million for low-carbon Britain -
Defra announces 2008/09 budget settlement
Sector: Central Government
Date Created: Thu 21st Feb 2008, 11:31:27
Source: Department for Environment, Food And Rural Affairs
Link: www.defra.gov.uk
UK - Setting out details of Defra's 2008/09 budget settlement, Hilary
Benn has announced an increase in funding for clean energy technologies,
investments and enterprises to over £400 million over the next
three years.
As part of the domestic Environmental Transformation Fund (ETF), the Carbon Trust
will receive £47.4 million to bring forward new energy technologies such
as offshore wind, third-generation photovoltaic power, marine energy and biomass
heating. This funding will also be used to increase the Carbon Trust's energy-saving
loans scheme for small and medium sized enterprises by a further £12
million to £62 million since 2003.
In addition, over the next three years the government will also provide around £10
million for a new anaerobic digestion demonstration programme. Up to four commercial-scale
facilities will show the potential of this technology to create renewable energy,
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and avoid waste being sent to landfill.
The 1.4% real increase in Defra's overall budget on 2007/08 shows the government's
commitment to the environment with significant new investment in the following
areas:
* low-carbon technology - domestic ETF fund increased to £400 million plus £800
million to tackle environmental challenges in developing countries over the next
three years;
* sustainable waste infrastructure - over £2 billion Private Finance Initiative
credits provided over the next three years;
* flood protection - spending £2.15 billion over the next three years;
and
* Rural Development Programme for England - resources doubled to £3.9bn
available to 2013.
Announcing the budget settlement, Hilary Benn said:
"Now is the time to act together to tackle climate
change and protect our environment. The Government must lead the way by ensuring
we are investing in building a low carbon Britain.
"Defra spending will increase to almost £4 billion over the next three
years but we must invest wisely. That is why we are focusing our efforts on helping
to provide sustainable options for the future as well as supporting and influencing
governments, businesses and consumers locally and globally."
As part of the 2008/09 budget settlement:
* Natural England will receive £176 million to enhance biodiversity, landscapes
and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas;
* The Environment Agency will receive £796 million to protect and improve
the environment in England and Wales;
* Animal Health will receive £128.1 million to combat disease and ensure
animals are healthy; and
* The Rural Payments Agency will receive £255.8 million to effectively
administer the Single Payment Scheme payments.
The settlement takes into account all of Defra's essential spending while providing
enough flexibility to ensure the department can protect against risks such as
flood management and animal disease. |
