Climate Change Bill

Introduction date

Third reading (Commons)

Summary

Following consultation (to Jun 2007) by Defra on its draft Bill, which forms an integral part of its long-term legal framework to tackle climate change, the Climate Change Bill was introduced in Nov 2007.

Key points of the Bill include:

• legally binding targets to cut CO2 emissions by at least 60 per cent by 2050 and 26 to 32 per cent by 2020;
• a new system of legally binding five-year 'carbon budgets', set at least 15 years ahead, to provide clarity on the UK's optimum pathway towards its key targets and increase the confidence and certainty for business planning and investment needed to move towards a low-carbon economy; and
• a new statutory body, the Committee on Climate Change, to provide independent expert advice and guidance to government on achieving its targets and staying within its carbon budgets.