Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to support (a) businesses and (b) consumers who support environmental-based initiatives.

Five years ago, the 25 Year Environment Plan set out our vision for a quarter-of-a-century of action as part of the commitment to leaving the environment in a better state than we found it.  Now, we are building on that plan.

In January, the Government published the Environmental Improvement Plan 2023 (EIP23), detailing a delivery plan for each of our goals, matched with stretching interim targets to measure progress. This Plan sets out clear delivery plans for working across government, and with business, local government sectors and the public to achieve our commitments, including long term targets, for environmental improvement.

Our plan will support green jobs and green growth across the country. We can drive UK inward and outward investment, create new jobs, generate export opportunities in fast growing global markets and place UK scientific and technology expertise, green finance opportunities and businesses at the forefront of a global sustainability transition.

The Government also provides extensive support to all types of businesses, including those with activities focused on environmental-based initiatives.

Support is available through the free Business Support Helpline, 38 Growth Hubs across England and newly launched Help to Grow website.

The Government’s goal is to create a society that is greener by design, enabling green action at all levels. We will make green choices easier and more affordable, so that they become the default option.

We will do this in a way that maintains choice and supports fairness, including by ensuring businesses and consumers are supported to take green action. We will empower people and businesses to make informed choices, by providing clear information about the environmental impact of different products, services, and actions.

We must all take action - central Government, local authorities, businesses, communities, families and individual citizens.

Businesses of all sizes can also access Government-backed finance from the British Business Bank, such as via the Start Up Loans programme and Recovery Loan Scheme.