Consumer Scotland has welcomed the Environmental Audit Committee’s report on the Seventh Carbon Budget, which includes recommendations for the UK Government on achieving carbon emission reduction targets.
The report has cited Consumer Scotland evidence highlighting the importance of fairness, affordability, clear standards and consumer protections to deliver the Seventh Carbon Budget.
The report argues maintaining public support is vital to meet legally binding limits on emissions, which come into force at the end of June this year.
Consumer Scotland Head of Energy Transition Alistair Hill said:
“The committee’s focus on fairness, affordability and consumer protections in their recommendations to the UK Government is welcome.
“Consumers must play a meaningful role in the journey to a more sustainable future, and their concerns and priorities need to be reflected in the design and implementation of policies such as carbon budgets.
“As our work highlights, many consumers in Scotland are struggling to afford their energy bills. Additional costs associated with the transition could further exacerbate this situation and risk leaving people behind.
“Efforts must be made to ensure the costs associated with reducing emissions and delivering net zero are distributed fairly. The necessary support – financial or otherwise – with the upfront costs of moving to sustainable heating and transport must also be made available.
“Cost is just one part of the net zero transition equation. Governments, together with consumer bodies, regulators, charities, industry and others, must also enable greater convenience, clarity and confidence for all consumers in making more sustainable choices.”
Background
A consumer framework for addressing climate change
Insights from the 2025 Energy Tracker