Pre-budget report 2004 and budget 2005 : tax, appraisal, and the environment, seventh report of session 2004-05, report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence

The Committee's report examines the measures in the latest Pre-Budget report (Cm 6408, ISBN 010164082X) and 2005 Budget (HCP 372, session 2004-05, ISBN 0102932484) in relation to environmental objectives, as well as more generally the Government's progress on environmental tax reform and spending.

It also examines the increasing use of Regulatory Impact Assessments as the central mechanism for assessing costs and benefits of legislation, including environmental impacts; and summarises key energy policy issues in the context of the Climate Change Programme review currently being undertaken.

Conclusions drawn include concern that it has taken so long for the Government to acknowledge its Climate Change strategy is off course, and that the difficulties encountered in reducing emissions reflect the need for a far greater priority to be given to mainstreaming environmental objectives.

The Committee recommends that the Government should establish a Cabinet Committee for Climate Change to drive forward action and to draw together responsibility for energy policy in one department.