The Government has published a consultation proposing further changes to the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) scheme, meaning that participants won’t need to register for phase two, the trading phase, until 2013.

Energy Minister, Chris Huhne, said:

“That will create a window for us to engage in a proper dialogue with participants about what we need to improve it."

The consultation also proposes to remove the requirement for organisations who are not required to register as participants to make information disclosures.

Last month’s Comprehensive Spending Review announced that the scheme was being simplified 'to reduce the burden on businesses' and that the first allowance sales for 2011-12 emissions would be taking place in 2012 rather than 2011.

However, many were angered by the announcement that revenues from allowance sales will be used to support the public finances, including spending on the environment, rather than being recycled to participants as was the original intention.

Richard Lambert, CBI Director-General, said:

“The announcement that there will be a consultation and that phase two will be delayed mark the start of winning back those businesses angered by the decision to remove the cash-back incentive.

“However, much more needs to be done. It is critical that the CRC becomes an effective tool for encouraging energy efficiency, and not just another tax.”
 
http://www.workplacelaw.net/news/display/id/31317