Written question WQ88395

Actions in support of a just transition to Net Zero are those which deliver decarbonisation at the same time as making our society fairer, avoiding the risks of widening inequalities. We believe this principle has to guide all actions we take in delivering Net Zero.

Actions we have taken in pursuit of a just transition include the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Bill, the Agriculture Bill, the creation of a public sector energy developer, our Warm Homes programme and the Net Zero Skills plan. These are all examples of policies which aim to both deliver decarbonisation and social justice.

To strengthen our approach to just transition we published a call for evidence at the end of 2022. I will be publishing a summary report to the Call in September 2023, which will be used alongside additional ongoing research, to support the development of Welsh Government’s overarching approach to supporting a just transition.

Many of the most powerful levers to deliver a just transition, such as powers over welfare and trade, sit with the UK Government. We call on the UK Government to develop its own Just Transition policy to ensure the powers at its disposal are deployed effectively.