Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 17
17
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Pricing the carbon element, so low-carbon products become less expensive than high-carbon ones, is a...
Conclusion
Pricing the carbon element, so low-carbon products become less expensive than high-carbon ones, is a powerful lever to reduce consumption emissions, to support the development of low-carbon products and increase access to such products. Currently, high energy prices and rises in inflation are contributing to stark rises in living costs; it is important that the design of any carbon border approach include a strategy for public engagement to build consensus around the importance of the policy response as a measure to combat climate change, alongside assessments to understand any potential impact on consumers, including vulnerable and low- income households, to ensure any supporting policies which might be required can be incorporated into the approach.
Paragraph Reference:
97
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
As noted above, we have announced our intention to consult on a range of carbon leakage mitigation options, including on a UK CBAM, later this year. This announcement does not commit the Government to any course of action down the line, but will enable us to better understand and develop our options. Our intention is to seek a wide range of views from stakeholders on the UK’s future carbon leakage mitigation policy. The Government is committed to communicating in an open and transparent way as we develop our carbon leakage mitigation policy options. It is essential that, if implemented, these policies are designed with the needs of stakeholders, the interests of consumers, and the wider impact (including on trade) in mind. We are aware that if implemented, differing approaches may be required for certain sectors, types of firms, and geographical locations, and we will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to understand these nuances. We will also carefully assess the potential impact of any carbon leakage mitigation measures on business and consumer prices and will use those assessments to inform any future decisions on the right policy response.