Autumn statement “kicks can down the road” on climate - IPPR

IPPR has reacted to measures announced in today’s autumn statement by Jeremy Hunt, the chancellor of the exchequer. 

Dr Maya Singer Hobbs, senior research fellow at IPPR, said: 

“On the eve of COP28, this budget had nothing on net zero. Instead, it kicks the can down the road on climate, leaving a deferred problem for future generations.  

“With the exception of some changes to the planning system to speed up grid connections, this budget had several glaring omissions – nothing remotely close to echoing the investment seen in the US and EU on green investment, nothing on providing active travel options, and nothing on energy efficiency.” 

Josh Emden, senior research fellow at IPPR, said:  

“A week ahead of COP28, the Autumn Statement largely failed to deliver anything that looked like global leadership on net zero. Even with commitments to green manufacturing the UK is already being severely outcompeted by its neighbours.  

“Tweaks to the planning system to accelerate EV charging infrastructure and heat pump deployment are welcome, as are reforms to speed up grid connections for renewable energy developers.  

“But there is nothing new at all on funding for energy efficiency or clean heat despite having some of the worst housing stock in Europe - there is currently only enough public funding to install around 60,000 heat pumps over three years, compared to public support in France which last year alone saw over 600,000 heat pumps installed.”