Ed Davey & Lib Dem Challenges

[bobzmyunkle]

Can we put 'reasonable rate' in the same bin as 'common sense' and move on.
Instead of reducing the subsidy for heat pumps (next budget apparently) would it not be better to reduce the subsidy for electric cars. Current cut off is £37000 for the full subsidy for which you appear to have the choice from a number of w*nk panzers.
Stop subsidising the middle classes clogging roads with oversize cars.

 

[Psamathe]

Instead of reducing the subsidy for heat pumps (next budget apparently) would it not be better to reduce the subsidy for electric cars.

Or reduce the subsidies & tax breaks for the hydrocarbons industries eg
(from 2023)

The UK government has given £20bn more in support to fossil fuel producers than those of renewables since 2015, the Guardian can reveal.

The research, commissioned by theLiberal Democrats, found that while renewable energy was given £60bn in support over that time, fossil fuel companies were given close to £80bn. (https://www.theguardian.com/environ...ls-more-support-uk-than-renewables-since-2015)

(my bold and larger text)

The UK government currently provides an estimated £17.5 billion in fossil fuel subsidies and support per year. This figure includes subsidies for the fossil fuel industry (producers) and for consumers of energy (the public). Taxpayer-funded financial support for the fossil fuel industry stands at its highest level since 2016, demonstrating the continued inefficiency of our fossil-fuelled energy system. (https://www.globaljustice.org.uk/resource/fossil-fuel-subsidies-in-the-uk-who-pays-who-profits/)

 

[bobzmyunkle]

Or reduce the subsidies & tax breaks for the hydrocarbons industries eg
(from 2023)

(my bold and larger text)

Well yes. I was just giving an example where they could cut subsidy to the middle classes, which appears to be the line they're going to feed to justify cutting heat pump subsidies.

 

[Psamathe]

Or reduce the subsidies & tax breaks for the hydrocarbons industries eg

Well yes. I was just giving an example where they could cut subsidy to the middle classes, which appears to be the line they're going to feed to justify cutting heat pump subsidies.

I didn't mean to give the impression of disagreeing, just that we could both save tax payers money and move faster in the right direction through changes.

It's not just hydrocarbons subsidies but that particular example is pretty extreme given the massive windfall profits they are now making from Trümpton's drive to win the Nobel Peace prize, profits from nothing they have don't other than sit there and watch the numbers of their bank statements grow.

 

[Pross]

All good questions, but mostly just pointing up the increasing tension between consumer fashion and reality.

Tent boxes should have their own thread.

The price of diesel affects most things we consume. Even if you're totally off-grid you're going to need a spade and a wheelbarrow.

Very much so, one of the most useless inventions of recent years unless you're camping in lion country.

 

[Pblakeney]

Trouble is the Climate won't be "Oh, they are trying so I'll hold off destroying them for a bit. Give them a chance". We are already suffering horrendous impacts and need to act further and faster.

"Reasonable Rate" seems based on the economics we have created basically short term. It's far cheaper to act nopw than it will be to act later (whilst also suffering the economic impacts of the damage we dragged our feet over avoiding).

Not to mention offsetting emissions by paying additional taxes. Like the climate actually GAF.
The taxes need to be high enough as to be prohibitive to make a difference.

 

[AndyRM]

Tent Boxes should be fired into the sun.

Someone round here has one on a Polo and all I can imagine it's doing is knackering the suspension.