Budget 2009: A green Budget?
As Alistair Darling finds himself boxed in over what to do in the Budget, one area he may start looking for is a green Budget.
The chancellor may find ways to encourage energy efficiency reduce carbon emissions or promote greener ways of living in a number of different sectors throughout the economy, which could help consumers on the ground.
"There will doubtless be measures to boost our environmental credentials," explained Richard Mannion, national tax director at accountancy group Smith & Williamson.
One area where the chancellor could try to show green credentials is through fighting fuel poverty.
Philip Cullum, deputy chief executive of consumer watchdog Consumer Focus, said: "Expensive energy bills remain a huge problem for the poorest households and unless the government invests in solutions now, millions of customers will suffer real hardship and fuel poverty levels will continue to spiral.
"Unless it invests in a major energy efficiency package the government's commitment to end fuel poverty by 2016 will become pure fantasy."
Energy price hikes over 2008 has seen massive increases in the number of people facing fuel poverty.
It is estimated there are now some 5.4 million people are facing fuel poverty - and spending over ten per cent of their income on gas and electricity bills.
"Putting these measures at the heart of the Budget's promised green recovery package would tackle fuel poverty, improve the environment, and create tens of thousands of jobs," said Mr Cullum.
"This is a solution that would both protect the poorest in our society and give a welcome boost to the economy."
In particular Consumer Focus is pushing for greater an end to unfair charging of energy customers - which often sees poorer customers paying more - and also cuts in tax on energy efficient products.
Gordon Brown has already revealed the Budget will include measures for promoting a greener economy.
He told the Independent about plans for councils to bid to become 'Green Cities'.
The prime minister pledged green measures would be a "major part of our plan for recovery in the Budget" with a new economy coming out of the recovery.
In particular he was looking to become a "world leader" in producing and exporting electric cars, hybrid petrol-electric vehicle.
However, Greenpeace has welcomed the move with a degree of cynicism.
Greenpeace executive director John Sauven warned plans for a new green economy should not be "another conjuring trick of pulling great ideas out of a hat, setting long term targets with great rhetorical flourishes only to then flounder on the actual practical delivery".
He also hit out at the current stimulus package - stating funding to the green economy only stood at 0.6 per cent of all funds.
"There needs to be a greater sense of urgency that will bring much needed jobs and help reduce emissions causing climate change," he said.
"The economy and the environment won't be saved by promises alone."
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