Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Paragraph: 47
Policymakers owe it to everyone who has suffered during the pandemic to ‘grow back better’...
Conclusion
Policymakers owe it to everyone who has suffered during the pandemic to ‘grow back better’ from the crisis by creating a greener, healthier and more resilient UK. Fairness and the levelling up agenda must be central in efforts to secure the recovery while also pursuing the transition to net zero.
Paragraph Reference:
47
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government is committed to levelling up opportunities across the UK - people shouldn’t have to leave their local area to get on in life, or to further their career. In light of COVID-19 this is even more important, and the Government has introduced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic crisis. At the Budget, the Government confirmed the next stage of this agenda, including additional funding for skills and job support; 8 Freeports that will be national hubs for trade, innovation and commerce, regenerating communities across the country; and the launch of the first round of the £4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund to invest in local infrastructure that has a visible impact on people and their communities and support economic recovery. This is alongside continued support for green industries to spread jobs, investment and growth across the UK. The Budget announced 3 UK-wide competitions in this area: £20 million for floating offshore wind; £68 million for energy storage; and £4 million for biomass. These programmes will lower the costs of the transition to net zero across the UK and specific measures, such as investments in biomass and floating offshore wind, will support rural and coastal communities. For example, Teesside will benefit from the development of a manufacturing port hub to support offshore wind, supporting up to 3,000 green jobs.