Lib Dems plan green firms' rebate

4.25.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 20th Jun 2008

Nick Clegg MP, Lib Dem leader - "I want 'green' business rates offering a rebate for businesses that green their premises"

Speaking at a joint press event with Greenpeace, Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg said that companies that "green" their premises with energy-saving improvements should be offered a rebate or reduced bill.

He said that he could see the "green" business rate working in the same way as some councils give rebates to families who insulate their homes. "We have to make things easier for companies that want to do the right thing," Said Mr Clegg. "The challenge of meeting Britain's energy needs was a choice between old technologies like gas, nuclear and coal, and "a green future" based on clean technologies."

A report by Greenpeace provides "compelling evidence" that low carbon energy "is deliverable now". While Nick Clegg accepts that economic uncertainty has meant families and businesses feeling "they cannot afford to go green", the Liberal Democrats will focus on how they can "incentivise green behaviour" rather than "penalising pollution".

"We need huge policy shifts to transform the investment landscape and make things like combined heat and power, carbon capture and renewables appealing," he said. "Some councils have pioneered council tax rebates for families who insulate their homes. I'd like us to look at 'green' business rates too - offering a rebate, or reduced bill, for businesses that green their premises. The planning system needs to work to help businesses who want to make green improvements, be they insulation or micro generation".