The UK Government has launched a £6 million Green Living Fund aimed at charitable and voluntary organisations supporting programmes that help individuals and communities live sustainably.

“With around 40% of emissions caused by individual choices and actions, behaviour change is crucial, and this is where third sector groups such as charities, NGOs, voluntary organisations, social enterprises and faith groups play an important role,” explains Energy and Climate Change Minister, Joan Ruddock.

The new fund was announced by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn during the launch of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)’s Third Sector Strategy.

“Defra is committed to working closely with voluntary and charitable organisations to tackle climate change and help everyone make positive environmental changes in their lifestyle - no matter how big or small,” commented Benn.

The Energy Saving Trust will oversee the initiative, which will open for bids in 2008. Funds will be offered for two years from April 2009 to March 2011.

Meanwhile, the Government has also outlined new amendments to its Planning Bill to strengthen its position on climate change and speed up decisions on renewable projects.

The bill aims to streamline the planning system by creating National Policy Statements (NPSs) for infrastructure projects, which will now have a duty to consider sustainability issues.

“Decisions will take less than a year and save our economy up to £300 million each year by preventing unnecessary delays,” said Communities Secretary, Hazel Blears.

Planning Bill Minister, John Healey added: “We simply can’t create a modern and greener economy using a post war planning system. The Planning Bill is the key to unlocking the modern green economy.”

For further information:
www.defra.gov.uk
www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/how-do-we-work/third-sector/
www.communities.gov.uk/