DEFRA 2008/09 Budget Announced
The 2008/09 Defra budget was yesterday made public, with a modest increase in funds (1.4%, or almost £4 billion over three years) on 2007/08 levels. Significant new investment was announced in the following areas:
- Low Carbon Technology: The domestic Environmental Transformation Fund (ETF) has been increased to £400 million over the next three years. As part of this, the Carbon Trust will receive £47.5 million to bring forward the development of clean energy technologies such as offshore wind, marine energy and biomass heating. In addition, £800 million will be available over three years to tackle environmental challenges in the developing world.
- Sustainable Waste Infrastructure: £2 billion for Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) over three years.
- Flood Protection: £2.15 billion over three years
- Rural Development Programme for England: Resources doubled to £3.9 billion available to 2013.
In addition, the Government is to provide £10 million for a new anaerobic digestion demonstration programme, which will result in the development of at least four commercial-scale facilities to demonstrate the potential of this technology to create renewable energy from waste.
Natural England will receive a budget allocation of £176 million, a decrease on its 2007/8 budget. Natural England have welcomed the settlement, recognising it as “challenging but manageable.”
Like what we stand for?
Support our mission and help develop the next generation of ecologists by donating to the British Ecological Society.