Committee launch inquiry into decarbonisation of the UK economy

5 June 2019

On World Environment Day, the Treasury Committee launches a new inquiry into the decarbonisation of the UK economy and green finance.

Purpose of the inquiry

The Committee is scrutinising the role of HM Treasury (HMT), regulators and financial services firms in supporting the Government's climate change commitments.

It is also examining the economic potential of decarbonisation for the UK economy in terms of job creation and growth.

The three main strands of the inquiry are

The economic opportunity for the UK
HM Treasury's strategy
Green finance

Written submissions

Send written submissions using the form available on the inquiry page.

The Committee is accepting written evidence until 26 July 2019.

Chair's comments

Commenting on the launch of the inquiry, Rt Hon. Nicky Morgan MP said

"Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. With recent protests and demonstrations, it has shot up the political agenda.
Whilst decarbonising the UK economy presents significant challenges, it also provides an opportunity for the financial services sector to unlock its green potential.
This inquiry will examine how HM Treasury and financial sector firms can support the UK to lead the way in green finance and environmental innovation.
Decarbonising an economy doesn't mean it has to stop growing. The time is ripe to explore how we can make sure that the UK gets this right.”

Member's comments

Simon Clarke MP, Member of the Treasury Committee, said

"Since 1990, the UK has reduced its carbon emissions by more than 40 per cent, and our economy has grown by more than two thirds. But we need to do more.
Both the public and private sectors have vital roles to play in transitioning to a decarbonised economy. The Committee on Climate Change has called on HM Treasury to review how the transition will be funded and where the costs will fall, especially if we are to deliver net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
And the financial services sector, through various forms of green finance, can help the City become a global leader.”

Terms of Reference

Some of the key questions the Committee will consider in this inquiry include

The economic opportunity:

1. What economic costs and benefits does decarbonisation present for the UK?
2. What benefits can a growth of the Green Finance sector deliver for the UK, and does the UK hold a competitive advantage in this space?
3. How might HMT deliver a regionally balanced and ‘just' transition across the UK?

HMT's strategy:

4. What is HMT's current strategy, and approach to, UK decarbonisation, and is it fit for purpose?
5. How does HMT work with the Clean Growth Strategy and government departments to support decarbonisation? Is this working well?
6. How should HMT's approach evolve to ensure the Government meets the legally binding carbon budgets (and the net-zero targets, if applicable)
7. What role should the 2019 Comprehensive Spending Review play in UK decarbonisation? What projects or measures should receive additional funds through this process?

Green Finance:

8. What role do UK financial services firms currently play in the decarbonisation of the economy, (for example, through stewardship, capital allocation to green projects, green financial products)? What more can they do?
9. What steps have UK banks, asset managers, and pension funds taken to ‘green' their business models, investments strategies and balance sheets, taking in to account climate and transition risks?
10. Are there any barriers (regulatory or otherwise) preventing financial services firms from delivering green finance or investing in ‘green' assets?
11. What prudential risks does climate change pose?
12. What is the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority doing to support decarbonisation and a ‘greening' of the financial system?
(b) What expectations do (and should) they place on regulated firms about their role in the transition through their policy and supervisory activities?
13. What is the consumer demand for ‘green' financial products?
14. Are there a range of accessible options available to consumers seeking to source ‘green' financial products across the product suite (for example, mortgages, bonds, investment products, savings accounts, loans)? Do certain instruments dominate the green finance landscape, and if so, why?
15. Do accompanying documents for ‘green' instruments (bonds, funds, etc) articulate why and how the composite holdings within that instrument are ‘green'? Are obligations placed upon listed companies, to report their carbon emissions, to inform fund composition?
16. Does the current advice and KYC process effectively facilitate a consideration of sustainability preferences?

Please reference the question number(s) that you are providing evidence in relation to, in any written evidence submission.

Further information

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