§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will exempt Northern Ireland from the climate change levy or energy tax until such time as electricity costs are comparable to average electricity costs in Great Britain. [85896]
§ Ms HewittThe Government are aware of the nature of, and the prices prevailing in the energy market in Northern Ireland. These issues were considered, alongside a number of other factors, in determining the scope and design of the climate change levy.
29WThe introduction of the climate change levy will entail no increase in overall burden of tax on business as a whole, as the revenues from the levy will be fully recycled to business via a 0.5 per cent. reduction in the main rate of employers' National Insurance Contributions. Business will also benefit from an additional £50 million for schemes aimed at promoting energy efficiency and support for renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind power.