Budget special: Green taxes
The chancellor unveiled several new environmental tax rates and confirmed changes to others
From April, the energy used in metal-recycling processes will be liable to a reduced rate of 20%, while electricity utilities will now be allowed to allocate climate change levy exemption certificates for combined heat and power (CHP) until 31 March 2013, to enable them to use up stocks.
Under plans already announced, the CHP exemption would be removed from April 2013. Budget 2012 also increased the landfill tax by £8 to £72 per tonne from April 2013, although the lower rate remains frozen at £2.50 per tonne.
To correct a mistake, Osborne said the government would introduce retrospective legislation, dating back to 21 March 2000, to align the position in Scotland with the rest of the UK.
He also said the list of designated energy- and water-efficient technologies qualifying for enhanced capital allowances will be updated during the summer, subject to state aid approval.