Consultation on the recommendations of the Climate Change Simplification project
Central Analytical Directorate
Nobel House (Area 1B)
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR
Website www.defra.gov.uk
19 December 2007
Dear Consultee,
Consultation on the Recommendations of the Climate Change Simplification project
- I am writing to invite views on the report “Climate Change Instruments: Areas of Overlap and Options for Simplification”.
The paper reviews Defra’s three major climate Change instruments - EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), Climate Change Agreements (CCAs) and the proposed Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) – with a view to eliminating avoidable overlap, simplifying the existing regulation, and ensuring that the regulatory burden on the economy is kept to a minimum. In addition, the review also provides an initial assessment of the overlaps between these instruments and other measures that either directly or indirectly affect the amount of carbon being emitted, and suggest some broad principles for dealing with them.
The focus of this report is not only on managing the administrative burden on business, but more broadly on minimising the regulatory burden on the economy as a whole by improving the overall efficiency of the package of measures.
The paper highlights the Government’s commitment to strategic evaluation of regulatory burdens and requirements, and demonstrates that the Government is balancing the needs of business with the urgent need to move towards a low-carbon economy. Combating climate change and protecting the natural environment should not lead to avoidable distortions nor damage UK competitiveness, and wherever possible burdens on industry should be minimised without compromising the UK’s ability to meet its Kyoto requirements.
The review suggests options to make the current set of climate change instruments more coherent and cost effective, while recognising there may be short term constraints on rationalisation. It also proposes principles to guide the development of future measures.
During the writing of the report, we have consulted a number of organisations involved in the schemes and made presentations to the Business Climate Change and Energy Group, the Emissions Trading Group and the Ministerial Challenge Panel on Regulation. This consultation seeks views on the proposed options for simplifications. Further presentations on the government’s response to the consultation will be made in the new year and a final report on actions will be compiled by spring 2008.
When responding, please refer to the Consultation questions available on Defra’s website, and clearly state which recommendation and which question your comments are addressing. This will assist us in processing responses as efficiently as possible. All responses will be fully considered before the final report is issued. You can submit you comments either electronically (word document or pdf) or by post.
Where possible, we would be grateful if consultees could submit the consultation response form by email to: CCSimplification@defra.gsi.gov.uk. - The following documents may be found on Defra’s website: www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/cc-instruments/index.htm
- Consultation document
- Letter to consultees
- Consultation questions
- We welcome your views and comments on the proposals. If you wish to obtain a copy of this consultation. Please contact CCSimplification@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Responses
- Please send responses to either:
Federica Cimato c/o Climate Change Simplification Project
Central Analytical Directorate
Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs
Nobel House (Area 1B)
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3J
Or e-mail: CCSimplification@defra.gsi.gov.uk. - Responses should be received by 19 March 2008.
This consultation has been prepared in line with the government code of practice which is available from the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.This can be viewed at http://bre.berr.gov.uk/regulation/consultation/code/index.asp - In line with Defra´s policy of openness, at the end of the consultation period copies of the responses we receive will be made publicly available through the Defra Information Resource Centre, Lower Ground Floor, Ergon House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR. The information they contain will also be published in a summary of responses.
- If you do not consent to this, you must clearly request that your response be treated confidentially. Any confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system in e-mail responses will not be treated as such a request. You should also be aware that there may be circumstances in which Defra will be required to communicate information to third parties on request, in order to comply with its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations.
- The library will supply copies of consultation responses to personal callers or in response to telephone or e-mail requests (tel: 020 7238 6575, email: defra.library@defra.gsi.gov.uk Wherever possible, personal callers should give the library at least 24 hour notice of their requirements. An administrative charge will be made to cover photocopying and postage costs.
- If you have any comments or complaints about the consultation process, as opposed to the content in the consultation paper, please address them to Marjorie Addo Defra’s Consultation Co-ordinator, Area 7C Nobel House,17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR, or email consultation.coordinator@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
- Thank you for your help in this matter. If you have any queries please contact us as above.
Marie Pender
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
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