Linklaters Environment and Climate Change Bulletin
Regular updates and discussion on environmental and climate change policy and regulatory issues relevant to our clients, by the Linklaters Environment and Climate Change practice |
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UK Budget 2012: Sustainability, planning and energy
22 March 2012
The 2012 Budget highlights imminent changes in planning regulation, more money for infrastructure and oil and gas and a push for the simplification of environmental and health and safety regulation. In a carefully worded section of the Budget George Osborne softened his position on renewables: they have a crucial view to play, though he will be alert to the potential impact on family energy bills. Environmental sustainability must also meet a test of fiscal sustainability. He was more robust on planning, and the changes to be published next week are clearly expected to be substantially as previously mooted, with a presumption in favour of sustainable development subject to a nod to genuine environmental concerns. Infrastructure, particularly transport related, remains a focus of interest, but inevitably requires a long gestation. Interestingly, the competitive role of cities is starting to come to the fore.
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