Here is the reply I got from the David Cameron's Office:-
Dear Mr XXXX,
Thank you for emailing David Cameron - I am replying on his behalf.
Thank you for writing and for bringing this link to our
attention. As you may have seen, the Quality of Life Policy Group's
report, 'Blueprint for a Green Economy', was published this week.
The Quality of Life Group, chaired by John Gummer and Zac Goldsmith, was
formed by David Cameron over 18 months ago and their final report is the
result of many months of public hearings, research and expert advice.
The report, which is one of the most thorough and comprehensive reports
ever produced by a political party on environmental issues, makes over
100 detailed recommendations to David Cameron and the Shadow Cabinet.
It is important to stress that this is a report to the Party, not from
the Party. In the coming months, we will be considering the
recommendations carefully - alongside the recommendations of our other
policy groups - and drawing from them firm policy commitments for our
General Election manifesto.
The report makes recommendations to improve the quality of life for
everyone through a dynamic economy, a strong society, and a sustainable
environment. This is a vital issue - we have a responsibility in this
generation to make sure we provide a greener and cleaner planet for our
children. We simply cannot go on as we are in terms of the way we run
Government and live our lives. This report is therefore all about
creating incentives for people to help them make greener choices.
The remit of the group was to consider holistically the issues of the
built environment; rural life; food, farming, fishing, and the marine
environment; transport; energy; waste and water. They are all
fundamentally affected by two significant concerns: climate change and
social unease. The report highlights that we cannot continue ignoring
the effects of the world's misuse of its resources while, at the same
time, pretending that we have a society at ease with itself. Radical
change is essential - more of the same is not an option.
David Cameron has therefore made it clear that we will consider very
carefully the recommendations the report makes, which include giving a
stamp duty rebate for energy efficient improvements; increasing demand
for low carbon cars; and reforming Air Passenger Duty. [As you mention
in your letter, the report also includes a proposal to allow local
authorities to insist on retailers charging for car parking,
particularly in out-of-town shopping centres, supermarkets, and outlet
stores with proceeds being applied to bus provision and other
environmental saving objects. As with all the other recommendations, we
will look at this one carefully.]
We are prepared to make tough choices. We have been honest, and have
said very clearly that taxes on pollution will go up. However, those
increases will be offset pound for pound by reductions in family taxes
to help people meet the rising cost of living.
Our approach is completely different to Labour's. Gordon Brown has given
green taxes a bad name by using them as additional stealth taxes. We
believe taxes on pollution can play an important role in tackling
climate change, but only if they are replacement taxes, matched with tax
reductions elsewhere. That is why we have established a family fund into
which all of the new taxes on pollution will go. That money will be
ring-fenced - no civil servants will be able to get their hands on it -
and it will be independently audited. So, as taxes on bad things, like
pollution, go up; taxes on good things, like families, will come down.
The report's proposals are intended to spark a national debate - they
are not firm policies. We therefore encourage you to take part in our
'Stand Up, Speak Up' initiative by visiting our website,
www.Conservatives.com.
Thank you again for your email.
Yours sincerely,
David Beal
Correspondence Secretary
David Cameron's Office
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA