Levy on hard up families not the way to fund new technology
Levy on hard up families not the way to fund new technology
GMB, the union for gas workers and boilermakers, has said securing the future for the gas industry by Government support for hydrogen must be priority if politicians want to reach our net-zero ambitions by 2050.
Reports have suggested that the government plan to push back its ban on existing gas boilers to 2040.
It is also thought the Government is considering a levy to pay for hydrogen technology development.
The union has said a backlash from voters to soaring household bills and disruption caused by any short-term ban was inevitable unless politicians took the public with them.
Gary Smith, GMB General Secretary, said:
“Securing a long-term future for the gas industry and its workforce with a political approach that prioritises low-carbon solutions like hydrogen-ready boilers for home heating is the best way of securing an affordable and familiar choice for households, keeping the heating on and meeting our climate ambitions.
We welcome plans that ensure hydrogen gets greater investment - but hitting hard up families with a levy is not the way to go.
Gary Smith, GMB General Secretary
“Politicians are only beginning to wake up to the harsh realities that they need to take the public with them if we are going to reach our net-zero ambitions by 2050.
"We welcome plans that ensure hydrogen gets greater investment - but hitting hard up families with a levy is not the way to go.
"Ministers need to get on now with releasing its hydrogen strategy, end the speculation on what’s in it and finally show us their ambition, providing certainty for our industries to invest and lead the way.”
