Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Paragraph: 126
Changes in ways of working during the pandemic have led to far greater levels of...
Conclusion
Changes in ways of working during the pandemic have led to far greater levels of working from home, in urban and rural areas. This has doubtless reduced commuter car usage in rural areas in particular. Home working can therefore contribute to meeting net zero goals. High quality internet and mobile connectivity are nevertheless a prerequisite for home working to be sustained after the pandemic, and must therefore be considered as an essential utility. Access to reliable mobile signal, and fast and reliable broadband, must now be guaranteed as a priority.
Paragraph Reference:
126
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Emissions from cars and vans were responsible for 71% of UK greenhouse gas emissions from transport in 2019 and make up almost of fifth (19%) of the UK’s domestic total, meaning that decarbonising these vehicles will be critical to achieving the Government’s net zero objective. Alongside the decision to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans in 2030, the Government has committed £1.88 billion for plug-in grants and electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support the transition to zero emission vehicles, and uses the tax system to encourage the uptake of zero emission vehicles, with zero-rated Vehicle Excise Duty and a company car tax rate of 1% this year. The Government has also committed to publishing a Green Paper on the UK’s post-EU emissions regulations this year. As well as supporting the decarbonisation of cars and vans, the Government has also made major investments in other clean forms of transport. This includes £5 billion for cycling and buses over this parliament, and £81 million of R&D funding in 2021–22 to launch a programme of investment in low and zero emission transport technologies. This includes new initiatives on sustainable aviation fuels, clean maritime demonstrations, zero emission freight trials, innovative electric vehicle charging solutions, and funding for a Hydrogen Transport Hub in the Tees Valley.