§ 12. Mr. SwinneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she last discussed with the Chancellor of the Exchequer the likely impact of the climate change levy on Scottish industry and business. [150746]
§ Mr. FoulkesMy right hon. Friend has regular contact with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss a wide range of matters. The climate change levy will raise an estimated £1 billion in its first year, all of which will be recycled back to business by a 0.3 percentage point cut in employers' National Insurance contributions and £150 million of spending on energy efficiency. The Government expect the levy to be broadly neutral between services and manufacturing.
The effect on any specific business, sector or region will depend on a number of factors, including their future energy consumption the level of employment, eligibility for discounts, use of renewable or combined heat and power energy, and take up of enhanced capital allowances.