Budget was good for green jobs, says Miliband

Date: 25th March 2010

Sole traders, limited companies and small businesses could be among those who stand to benefit from a boost for green jobs.

Energy and climate change secretary Ed Miliband has said that yesterday's (March 24th) Budget included good news for growth in the low carbon economy.

In particular, Mr Miliband hailed the launch of the green investment bank, which could provide around £2 billion for developments in green technology.

In yesterday's Budget, chancellor of the exchequer Alistair Darling announced that the government is to put £1 billion into the bank and hoped to raise a similar amount through private sector investment.

"This Budget will help propel the UK further and faster towards the green industries of the future," said Mr Miliband.

"The green investment bank, new support for wind turbine manufacturing sites and the first findings of our work to reform the energy market are all critical. Jobs, growth, energy security and the fight against climate change are all winners."