London, 30 October 2024 –The Environmental Industries Association (EIA) has expressed significant concerns regarding the Labour budget announcement by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves. EIA Chairman Peter Atchison specifically highlighted the budget’s shortcomings in addressing critical environmental issues such as climate change, air quality, brownfield remediation and supporting the wider delivery arm of the UK green industries sector.
Lack of Support for Green Industries
Peter Atchison stated, “While the budget includes some positive steps towards Green Energy, Carbon capture it falls short in providing the necessary support for the SME sector whom deliver the grassroots green growth economy and represent the wider Environmental Services and Technology Sector which contributes over £29 billion in value per annum and expected to deliver 25,000 additional jobs over the next 12 months. That growth is in jeopardy and business leaders and our Members will need to re-evaluate business investment given the increase in employer contributions. The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) clearly shows that the UK has ranked 5th globally, yet this budget does not reflect the urgency of the environmental crisis and the investment which is required to maintain and improve our environmental standing globally.”
Investment in Green Technology
Atchison emphasised the need for substantial investment in green technology. “The budget’s allocation for green technology is insufficient. To achieve our net-zero targets, enhance air quality and foster green jobs and innovation in the economy, we need a robust financial commitment. This budget does not provide the level of investment needed to drive the green technology sector forward.”
Remediation of Contaminated Sites for housing delivery
EIA recognises the housing crisis and supports much of the reforms of the NPPF and specifically Brownfield First, but the Chancellor has missed a trick on the eve of Halloween to extend land remediation relief from 150% to 200% for smaller developers with housing of less than 25 units, but we note that the Government plans a review of Land Remediation Relief next year which EIA will engage with. An extension of the relief now would have helped to drive housing on brownfield sites (especially smaller sites which are often more complex) and also driven growth across the geo-remediation sector and environmental services sector which in turn would of delivered new homes.
Call for Action
The EIA will continue to engage with the government on these matters and continue to campaign to increase funding for green industries and technologies. “We urge the Chancellor to consider the long-term benefits of investing in our environment. Sustainable growth is not just an option; it is a necessity for our future,” Atchison concluded.
For further information, please contact: Environmental Industries Association news@EIAssociation.co.uk
For more information please contact:
Environment Industries Association (EIA)
Membership@EIAssociation.co.uk
