Select committee: Environment and Climate Change Committee
Conclusion 64
1st Report - In our hands: behaviour change for climate and environmental goals
Published 12 Oct 2022
Paragraph 327
Environment and Climate Change Committee Mobilising action on climate change and environment: behaviour change All items in this report Report on parliament.uk ↗ Inquiry on parliament.uk ↗
Conclusion (the committee's words)
We were heartened to hear the positive experiences of participants in the UK Climate Assembly and commend this use of deliberative engagement, though we are concerned that the Government may not have taken the Climate Assembly’s report findings seriously. Citizens’ assemblies and other forms of public engagement, such as those tailored to young people, will play a significant role in supporting behaviour change for climate and environmental goals. Engaging the public and strengthening understanding in this space will improve the legitimacy and effectiveness of behaviour change interventions.
From: Environment and Climate Change Committee, 1st Report - In our hands: behaviour change for climate and environmental goals, paragraph 327, 12 October 2022
Government response
The government responded to the whole report on 21 December 2022 (deadline 12 December 2022).
Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.The government welcomes the committee's report and states that it has "carefully considered all the committee's conclusions and recommendations", responding mainly by pointing to existing strategies and policies, with some further action to follow.
- On the public engagement strategy sought by April 2023, the response points to the Net Zero Strategy and says a revised 25 Year Environment Plan will set out the approach to "enabling green choices, including through engagement".
- On a frequent flyer levy, the government says it "was minded to retain APD as the principal tax on the aviation sector", citing concerns about administrative complexity and data handling. It does not commit to a call for evidence.
- On Covid-19 lessons, it agrees there "may be useful lessons" and says it "will take this recommendation into consideration" as part of ongoing policy development.
- On Extended Producer Responsibility, it recognises its importance and says it will consult next year on reviewing existing producer responsibility systems. It is "considering" options for textiles.