EAC’s Sustainability and HM Treasury inquiry
Evidence by the Centre for theUnderstanding of Sustainable Prosperity
Submitted on 18 February 2016
The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee has invited written evidence on the role of HM Treasury in relation to sustainability; evaluating the role of the department in developing and implementing Government policies to protect the environment and respond to climate change.
The Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity submitted a response on 18 February 2016. Our recommendations include a shift of time horizons to take a more long-term approach to evaluating policy options; and greater attention to environmental science evidence and expertise. We argue that in order for the Treasury to deal effectively with sustainability issues, it needs to reinforce efforts to secure appropriate funding for small and medium-sized enterprises in the low carbon and “green” sector of the economy, and fully engage in implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals within UK domestic policy.
Adding to this, in a separate submission, CUSP Director Prof Tim Jackson is making the case for Treasury to take a leading role in establishing a cross-departmental process to embed sustainable prosperity across Government; to elucidate the implications of this vision for investments in health, education, employment and skills, low-carbon technology, resource productivity and poverty alleviation; and to build the economic and financial foundations for this transformation.
The report from the sessions is available via the EAC website.
Links
- Sustainability and HM Treasury Inquiry
- Submission by the Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity
- Submission by Prof Tim Jackson
Further reading
