SDC sees funding cut as it issues savings report

The decision will reportedly save central Government around £1.5 million and in statement today, Defra said the move would "improve accountability, avoid duplication and lead to essential efficiencies".

The SDC is s the Government's independent adviser on sustainable development. It reports to the Prime Minister, the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales and the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland. Once part of Defra it was incorporated as a non-departmental public body in February 2009.

Today, the SDC issued its fifth annual watchdog report on Government’s progress towards sustainability. The report concludes that to date the Government has saved £60 to £70 million a year through sustainable measures across its operations. It adds that improvements in energy and water consumption, waste, recycling and road transport performance are likely to add up to £300-350 million over the next five years.

Announcing today’s reforms, which also includes among other bodies the abolition of The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said she was "determined to play the lead role" on sustainability within Government.

"This Government is committed to being the greenest Government ever […] The effective delivery of public services is essential and I am committed to increasing the transparency and accountability of Defra’s public bodies and to reducing their numbers and costs. Times have changed since many of these bodies were set up and much of what they do is now everyday Government business."

However, responding to the cuts, Will Day, chair of the SDC said he was "deeply disappointed […] Our work has delivered efficiency savings totaling many times what the organisation has cost the Government, and contributed towards much greater sustainability in Government – both in the way it runs itself, and the decisions it makes about our wellbeing and our future."

Concern about the cuts to the SDC were also raised by industry and campaigning groups.

"While the need to make financial savings is understandable, this decision is concerning," commented Paul King, chief executive of the Green Building Council. "Although the Committee on Climate Change has a critical role as watchdog and advisor on carbon emissions, the SDC had a much broader remit. All Government policy needs to be assessed through a sustainable development lens, not just carbon emissions. This will now put more of an onus on the private and third sectors to carry out this role."

Friends of the Earth's executive director Andy Atkins commented: "The Sustainable Development Commission has played a crucial role in helping Government departments work together to tackle the triple threats of climate change, economic downturn and inequality - as well as keeping a critical check on progress.

"The Coalition must be held to account on its promise to be the greenest
Government ever – and explain how it will continue to green Britain, saving
money and creating jobs at the same time, without the Sustainable Development Commission's expert guidance and overview."

Last week, the Department of Energy and Climate Change, detailed £34 million worth of spending cuts to low carbon technology programmes. These included more than £12 million of cuts to the Carbon Trust’s grant for low carbon technology and business support funding.