Climate Change Bill [HL]

This may be a suitable moment for the Opposition to contribute on these amendments. We are pleased to see the Government's eagerness to try to rectify what was previously a serious deficit in the Bill. Public authorities need to be encouraged to the maximum extent possible to take measures to adapt to climate change seriously. We welcome the duty on public authorities to develop programmes for adaptation and prepare reports. I looked in the amendments for the words ““from time to time””, but they do not appear. How often will they prepare reports? From the text of the amendments, it appears that they will do so on demand. It occurs to me that one might compare and contrast—in the classic sense—the responsibilities on the Secretary of State under Clauses 48 and 49 with those being placed on public authorities. However, the authorities will be outlining their progress towards meeting the objectives that they have outlined, which is certainly welcome. While we welcome the Government trying to correct their omission, I wonder whether they have gone far enough. Although the amendments place a duty on reporting authorities to publish statements of proposals and assessments of their progress, there is not an actual duty to comply with their proposed measures. As it stands, it would be enough for a public authority to develop a plan and not do anything at all, as long as it published a report saying so. It seems that this provision could be tightened. Does the Minister agree that it is important for there to be an assurance that public authorities will implement their adaptation proposals? Incidentally, are there really 25,000 public authorities in the United Kingdom? I am astounded at the figure. At any rate, they must comply with the provisions regarding reports, but there still is no duty to implement any proposal. While we welcome the amendments, they could have been stronger—and an opportunity was missed to make them stronger. I turn to Amendment No. 183A, which carries the wide support of many Members of the Committee and in whose support many noble Lords have spoken eloquently. We certainly support the spirit of this amendment. Action to adapt to climate change is not going to happen unless there is a concerted effort from everyone involved. Our slight scepticism stems from the fact that it is unclear whether this duty is necessary in this part of the Bill. It is also unclear how far this amendment might be applied. The section has no explicit reference to any persons or bodies, so while I assume it targets government policy and agencies, it is unclear how far that targeting could be extended. It seems too prescriptive—and, at the same time, unclear and nebulous.