Green groups disappointed after chancellor reveals no further details on plans for a green investment bank or home energy-efficiency schemes

Green groups expressed disappointment and surprise today at the lack of environmental policies in George Osborne's budget.

Hopes that the emergency budget would shed light on plans for a green investment bank, renewable energy and financial incentives for individuals to make their homes more energy efficient were dashed in the chancellor's speech.

Plans to introduce a floor price for carbon pollution permits to provide stability for emissions trading, as already laid out in the coalition agreement, were reiterated with a pledge to consult, this autumn, on the reform of Labour's climate change levy.

No new details were forthcoming on the new green bank, which will be designed to help fund clean energy projects such as windfarms. The Treasury said it will publish detail proposals of the bank's creation in the autumn, after the spending review. The only other measure mentioned in Osborne's speech was changes to air taxes, which would be "examined".

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Source: Guardian.co.uk