Alliance Green New Deal

Party Headquarters 88 University Street, Belfast, BT7 1HE

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Published and promoted by Sharon Lowry on behalf of The Alliance Party of 88 University Street, Belfast BT7 1HE. Printed by GPS Colour Graphics Ltd, 4 Marshalls Road, Belfast BT5 6SR. APRIL 2021 www.allianceparty.org WHAT IS A GREEN NEW DEAL? 2

TOP PROPOSALS 3

INTRODUCTION ALLIANCE GREEN NEW DEAL 4 UK CONTEXT 5 NI CONTEXT 6

CHAPTER 1: THE GREEN ECONOMY THE GREEN ECONOMY 8 GREEN RECOVERY 8 ECONOMIC POLICIES & DELIVERY 9 JOB CREATION 9 SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE 10 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT 11 EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS 11

CHAPTER 2: FINANCE ISSUES FUNDING A GREEN RECOVERY 14 TAX & SPENDING REFORM 14 NI COST OF DIVISION 15 PERSONAL INCOME 16

CHAPTER 3: GOVERNMENT NI EXECUTIVE 18 ALL-ISLAND COLLABORATION 19 UK GOVERNMENT 19

CHAPTER 4: INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSPORT 21 ENERGY 24 PLANNING & HOUSING 26 SOCIAL CARE 28

CHAPTER 5: CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE 30 NATURE & BIODIVERSITY 31 WASTE MANAGEMENT 32

CHAPTER 6: GLOBAL JUSTICE 33

CONTENTS PAGE 1 • Transition to a Green Economy • Guarantee zero-carbon public that prioritises investment, transport with better routes wellbeing and the planet. right across NI and cheaper

fares for disabled people and • Create over 50,000 secure young people. green jobs across NI, with targeted bursaries and • Offer interest-free loans for an retraining allowances. electric vehicle and

accelerated installation of • Provide a universal, affordable charging points. childcare system so we can all access new opportunities. • Establish mandatory

agriculture audits to help • Legislate for workers’ rights in farmers transition to the gig economy. sustainable farming.

• Reform and restore dignity in • Ban current and future fossil the unjust social security fuel exploration, including system. fracking.

• Fight for migrants’ rights and • Hold citizens assemblies to to overhaul the Home Office. place social dialogue and • Retrofit all social housing and equity at the centre of provide grants to retrofit decision-making.

privately owned homes. WHAT IS A GREEN NEW DEAL? • Demand tax justice. • Invest in our Social Care workforce and ensure care jobs are well-paid and secure. It’s about rapidly decarbonising our economy, The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us how and in doing so, creating an equitable, our economy and society directly impact sustainable economy filled with well-paid, our ability to get through a crisis: from secure green jobs in existing and emerging our physical and mental health, our job industries. and our housing conditions, to our access to social security, green space and public Alliance has developed its own Green New services. Deal tailored to Northern Ireland. The policies OUR PRIORITIES in this document show how we can simultaneously combat the climate Tackling the climate emergency likewise emergency and inequality through involves much more than environmental investment, radical change and breaking down policy. the barriers of division. A Green New Deal recognises that tackling We don’t want to return to the status quo. the climate emergency goes hand in hand with economic and social justice. Together, we don’t have to.

PAGE 2 WHAT IS A GREEN NEW DEAL? OUR PRIORITIES PAGE 3 ALLIANCE GREEN NEW DEAL 4 We, too, have an opportunity to dream big UK CONTEXT UK CONTEXT 5 and need a recovery plan that better protects us in the future. While we will all experience the effects of NI CONTEXT 6 This time, any New Deal must be a Green New climate change, we won’t all do so Deal, and any economic recovery stimulus equally, nor do we all bear equal must be for a green recovery. responsibility. In fact, we can trace half of global industrial emissions since 1988 to Experts are increasingly stressing the need for just 25 corporate and state-owned a major investment-led, green recovery entities, including ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, because addressing the climate emergency and Chevron.1 goes hand in hand with an economic and

social transformation. The world’s richest 10% produce around The fight against the climate emergency 50% of all emissions. requires more than environmental policy tweaks. The Alliance Green New Deal Meanwhile, the poorest half of the world’s demands urgent, radical change based on population – 3.5 billion people – is long-term security and collective prosperity. responsible for just 10% of carbon emissions, yet they are the most This is our vision for an urgent, radical threatened by the catastrophic storms, overhaul of the policies and practices that droughts, and other severe weather shocks INTRODUCTION hinder our progress and exploit our people linked to climate change. and our planet. It’s also our plan to grasp the enormous opportunities in moving towards a Confronting Carbon Inequality (2020), Oxfam. sustainable, green economy, with the Alliance ALLIANCE GREEN NEW DEAL Young people across the world have taken the Green New Deal creating at least 50,000 jobs For this reason, the 2015 Paris Climate lead in challenging Governments to protect by 2030. Agreement demands that high-income countries go further, faster in radically Alliance has a vision for a united the planet: they protested to demand the This past year, we have acted in solidarity at reducing emissions, by no later than the community: an inclusive, dynamic, change we need to secure their future. We an unprecedented scale to protect one “second half of this century”. It also requires prosperous and sustainable Northern joined their marches, and we listened. another. Alliance is committed to breaking governments to reduce emissions “on the Ireland where we can all thrive, enjoy down the barriers of division. We want to Time is quickly running out to tackle the basis of equity, and in the context of living freely and securely and be treated build upon these efforts and accelerate the climate emergency. Yet, in doing so, we can sustainable development and efforts to with dignity in a region rich with creation of a wonderfully diverse, inclusive build the future we not only want but need: eradicate poverty.” opportunities and biodiversity. We believe society that stands united in protecting our • Creating thousands of secure, green jobs in a society for everyone. future. The 2021 United Nations Climate Change by stimulating our economy and reskilling Conference (COP26) will take place in The Alliance Green New Deal shows what we workers; Glasgow in November, under the UK’s As we emerge from the pandemic, it’s time can achieve together in Northern Ireland and presidency. This is a critical landmark as for this vision to become a reality. • Preserving our planet for future how Alliance will use its influence in participating countries’ decisions will define generations; and Westminster for UK-wide intervention and From Covid-19 to losing our place in the our future: we must reach net-zero emissions • Building an inclusive, equitable society for global action. It also outlines how we can European Union, we know how unbelievably no later than 2050 to achieve the 1.50C goal. facilitate collaboration on an all-island basis. our lives can be upended, with things we once everyone. The UK has set its target for net-zero took for granted taken from us. We have a chance for change. These principles will underpin our priorities emissions by 2050. We believe this is far too Change for good. going forward, and the document will evolve The pandemic has laid bare the injustices and slow, and the UK should be providing more as we reach milestones in recovery and the weaknesses in our society and economy. We want to learn lessons from the past year, robust and demonstrable leadership. If the UK reduction of emissions. It's worth noting that We’ve seen the damage caused by acting too build a new society, invest in thousands of cannot reach net carbon zero well ahead of this document is intended to accompany, and slowly, chronically underfunded public secure, green jobs, and transform our 2050, it is unlikely that the rest of the world not replace, our next Manifesto. services, and flawed, short-term, and self- economy to become both sustainable and will do so. serving decisions. equitable. Therefore, the UK must have much more Emerging from the pandemic, we will likely Throughout history, periods of great upheaval ambitious targets and frontload the changes face a weakened economy, significant job have sparked incredible change: from the New to policy and practices with clear binding losses and more entrenched inequalities. Deal in response to the Great Depression, to milestones along the way. the birth of the welfare state and NHS from And the pandemic is not the only crisis we The UK also recently dissolved its Department World War II. face. While everyday life has felt at a standstill for International Development, cut its foreign the past year, climate change continues to aid budget, and introduced tighter accelerate. 1 The Carbon Majors Database, CDP Carbon Majors Report 2017.

PAGE 4 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION PAGE 5 immigration restrictions, signalling a The Alliance Green New Deal puts forward THE GREEN ECONOMY 8 significant shift away from its crucial proposals to achieve nature-friendly farming commitments under the Paris Agreement. that reduces emissions while protecting GREEN RECOVERY 8 wildlife, biodiversity, and small farmers. Now more than ever, governments like the UK ECONOMIC POLICIES & DELIVERY 9 must lead the way with radical change, end Active travel and our public transport network JOB CREATION 9 fossil fuel subsidies, and prioritise the rights of have suffered from chronic underinvestment SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE 10 those marginalised politically, economically for years, which means we are hugely over- and socially – those least responsible and reliant on private car use. We must rebalance RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT 11 most vulnerable to the climate emergency. our infrastructure spending towards active EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS 11 and sustainable travel, with the Government

leading and enabling change in light of the NI CONTEXT new ways we will work and live. Emissions-heavy sectors with the biggest While on average the UK has reduced CHAPTER 1 reductions were energy supply, waste greenhouse gas emissions by 43% management, and residential. These were THE GREEN ECONOMY between 1990 and 2018, Northern Ireland driven by energy efficiency improvements, lags way behind other regions with a switching from coal to natural gas, and landfill decrease of only 20%. management changes. These advances are welcome, but the Alliance Green New Deal Northern Ireland must be even more shows we can do much more to accelerate ambitious and radical in changing course, and their carbon neutrality transition. frontloading can guarantee rapid progress. This transition to carbon neutrality presents us Fundamental to drastically reducing emissions with enormous job opportunities across in Northern Ireland is addressing our existing and emerging industries. We want agriculture and transport sectors. The latest accessibility and employment rights to be at statistics show that as of 2018, not only were the core of the new Green Economy. these the two largest contributors to The Alliance Green New Deal will ensure greenhouse gas emissions (agriculture with reskilling opportunities and new jobs are as 27% and transport with 23%), they were the wide-ranging and inclusive as possible by only sectors failing to make sufficient progress placing social dialogue at the heart of on reductions (agriculture up 1% and transport decision-making. up 29%) over the past three decades. Our 2019 General Election Manifesto called for The Northern Ireland economy is heavily the creation of citizens assemblies to engage reliant on agriculture, but we must ensure the public in tackling the climate emergency. progressive and managed change within the We stand by this commitment and will industry. Northern Ireland is also the only part prioritise the voices of the politically of the UK where our land use, land-use marginalised, including workers in affected change, and forestry sector is a net carbon industries, rural women, disabled people, source rather than a net sink. Black and ethnic minority communities, and low-income groups.

Agriculture was the largest emitting sector of NI Energy Supply delivered the largest reduction in

greenhouse gas emissions in 2018. emissions from 1990 to 2018 (-2.4 MtCO2e).

Numbers are rounded and do not add up to 100. Source: NISRA via DAERA.2 Source: NISRA via DAERA.2

2 https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-greenhouse-gas-inventory-1990-2018-statistical-bulletin

PAGE 6 INTRODUCTION THE GREEN ECONOMY PAGE 7 THE GREEN ECONOMY The new Green Economy must protect us and ECONOMIC POLICIES & DELIVERY JOB CREATION the planet. That’s why we are recognising We need a new economy that prioritises skilled social care as essential infrastructure We want to create an economy that We want a job-rich, low-carbon, worker- access for all and the wellbeing of our and investing in care jobs as green jobs for the delivers for everyone. led transformation. people and our planet. future. When developing policy, this holistic The Alliance Green New Deal has a vision for a From childcare workers to engineers, The Alliance Green New Deal aims to make framework will force governments to consider new Economic Strategy. One that guarantees technicians to adult care workers, solar Northern Ireland one of the most innovative, the environment alongside our mental and sustainable and inclusive growth with installers to building retrofitters, car inclusive and sustainable regional economies physical wellbeing and financial security. particular attention paid to the regional and manufacturers to environmental enforcement in Europe. social balance of new job opportunities. – the Alliance Green New Deal will pave the way for thousands of new jobs across In Northern Ireland, we have the resources to We will: GREEN RECOVERY Northern Ireland and will ensure all of us build a thriving, secure Green Economy. We • Deliver a new Skills Strategy for Northern benefit from a new green economy. have a resourceful business base; a skilled, We need a pandemic recovery that’s Ireland to address upskilling and retraining adaptable workforce; a driven, youthful Cumulatively, our proposals could create over investment-driven and paves the way for a requirements and opportunities for the population; a powerful manufacturing base; 50,000 new jobs over this decade. Significant green transition. green economy. excellent research and innovation attributes; a areas of potential increased employment and robust telecommunications network; • Develop a social enterprise strategy, new jobs include: unmatched international links; and unique Over a decade since the financial crisis of underpinned by a Social Value Act for • The roll-out of advanced broadband and natural and cultural resources. 2007-2008, it is clear that austerity measures Northern Ireland, empowering us to enact digital infrastructure. fail to aid recovery and instead leave us more social and economic change through Therefore, the Green Economy can provide vulnerable to future crises. procurement. • Environmental governance, auditing, and new and sustainable means of driving monitoring requirements. economic growth. In 2020 the UK economy suffered its sharpest • Establish a Green Economy taskforce to GDP reduction in over 300 years – the worst inform the Government of crucial policy • Education and training infrastructure. To do this, we must radically invest, adapt and annual economic decline in the G7. It is interventions, with membership including modernise, building on what made us • The caring economy, from childcare to increasingly clear that the economy across the environmental and economic experts, prosperous in the past and harnessing the adult social care. UK, and specifically in Northern Ireland, will representatives from trade unions, creativity and funding needed to create a not bounce back with a V-shaped economic community groups, and local business • Green economy research and development. thriving and equitable decarbonised economy. recovery. On the back of a lost decade of organisations. • Manufacturing of green technologies. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth, which austerity, we are likely to see considerable • Develop a Green Investment Unit for Invest measures the market value of goods and unemployment, sluggish growth, and • Retrofitting of housing for renewable NI to look at sustainability across all Invest services each year, has long determined a worsening inequality. energy sources and insulation. NI projects and to attract green economy country's economic success. In Northern Ireland specifically, low investments, including collaboration on • Renewable energy and broader However, it fails to consider: productivity and high economic inactivity skills and training. transmission infrastructure. have long characterised our economy. • Heat pump installation. • Whether such goods and services lead to Investment in research and development and • Invest in mechanisms such as City Deals environmental degradation. infrastructure has also been lower than in and the network of further education • Rail construction and rail network colleges. • Where such goods damage our health. comparative regions. expansion. • Establish an Infrastructure Commission for • The quality of services sold. A significant UK-wide economic stimulus and • Electric and hydrogen bus manufacturing. investment-led green recovery are required. Northern Ireland to boost the capacity and • How wealth is distributed amongst citizens. capability of the Civil Service, enabling • Installation, maintenance, and upgrade of Investment in the traditional drivers of new technology and infrastructure such as A 2020 report by the OECD warns that projects to proceed on budget and on economic growth, namely skills, research and electric vehicle charging points. current economic growth patterns are causing time. development, and infrastructure, must be “significant harms”, including “rising inequality • Afforestation and the protection and accelerated and considered through the lens • Recognise local businesses through a and catastrophic environmental degradation”. development of biodiversity. of a green transition. Charter Mark for Zero Carbon. The report urges governments to radically • Tourist opportunities linked to a green shift economic policy, prioritising Northern Ireland. environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and reducing inequality.

PAGE 8 THE GREEN ECONOMY THE GREEN ECONOMY PAGE 9 SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE New skills interventions should: RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS • Develop employer-led green We will prioritise a vast, diverse range of apprenticeship and traineeship We will ramp up investment in research A precarious job market can no longer reskilling opportunities, with financial opportunities for all ages and and development (R&D) to ensure exploit workers – we will put employment support to ensure equitable access. educational/employment backgrounds. Northern Ireland is a leader in green rights at the heart of the new green opportunities and innovation. economy. • Consider wage subsidies for green Just 20 years ago, many of the jobs today apprenticeships in certified areas. didn’t exist. Many of us change jobs and Northern Ireland has a robust existing R&D Pre-Covid-19, the gig economy was an careers several times throughout our lives, and • Incentivise employment within wage infrastructure involving universities, further increasing feature of the UK’s employment this trend is likely to accelerate. subsidy-based employment schemes, education colleges, and science parks. landscape. including a NI equivalent of Kickstart, The Alliance Green New Deal would create a through the introduction of a green Nevertheless, additional investment in R&D The pandemic has laid bare the injustices new Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland. economy weighting. will be crucial in developing the green faced by those working in this insecure economy and new jobs. employment, which we know Our Skills Strategy will ensure everyone’s • Create a dedicated green economy disproportionately affects younger people access to opportunities, regardless of gender, Particular opportunities lie in: retraining allowance, open to every adult and Black and minority ethnic workers. age, disability, socioeconomic, and ethnic wishing to access new green employment • Renewable energy. background. This includes providing new and opportunities. Alliance has long called for regulation in the emerging opportunities for people starting • Hydrogen development and deployment. gig economy because every worker deserves • Create targeted bursaries for under- their careers and those who wish to retrain. • Green aerospace. to be treated with dignity and have financial represented groups in the labour market to independence. Skills are currently delivered through access new and emerging industries, • Battery technology. universities, further education colleges, and including disabled people, people of ethnic A spotlight has also been placed on issues in • Food and agriculture. private sector providers, alongside ongoing minority backgrounds, care leavers, etc. the childcare system. Moving to a green training and development in the workplace. • Smart materials. society and economy in which everyone can The greatest pressures in a green transition • Audit profile of courses in higher and participate requires universal, child-centred will likely focus on intermediate technical and further education to ensure sufficient • Digital technology. childcare to meet families’ and providers’ professional skills at Levels 4 and 5. provision of a skills pipeline and that In addition to increased funding from within needs. sustainability considerations are embedded the Block Grant, we should explore other Therefore, a new Skills Strategy will deliver where appropriate. The past year has presented some potential increased opportunities through a reformed, innovative funding sources, including City virtuous benefits for addressing climate employer-driven apprenticeship system, in • Intensify support for STEM in higher Deals and maximising drawdowns from EU change: we know that greater home working addition to programmes to address education and further education. Programmes such as Horizon Europe. levels are possible and preferable for many. unemployment, especially for young people. • Promote women in STEM (Science, We, therefore, must develop the NI Contact We must preserve new-found flexibilities for Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Network to overcome the separation arising those who want them. In turn, these trends with targets to have at least 30% from Brexit. There should also be the provision pose fresh challenges for employment law to representation by 2030. of a green R&D Challenge Fund into which ensure that changing patterns of work do not employers can make bids for financial create new forms of exploitation. • Conduct a review of Vocational, support. Professional and Technical Qualifications. Alliance will advocate for increased resourcing • Ensure Green Economy opportunities are of UK research councils and other embedded into Careers Advice. programmes, and seek guarantees of more • Utilise early warnings of redundancies to equitable funding across the UK. We must assess retraining requirements and match also maximise all-island research new opportunities. collaboration. • Provide a green skills challenge fund into which employers can make bids for financial support.

PAGE 10 THE GREEN ECONOMY THE GREEN ECONOMY PAGE 11 The Alliance Green New Deal would: Migrant Workers’ Rights FUNDING A GREEN RECOVERY 14 • Eliminate zero-hour contracts and The lack of rights for migrants in the UK puts TAX & SPENDING REFORM 14 introduce robust regulation of the gig untold numbers at risk of modern slavery, economy. human trafficking and exploitation in the NI COST OF DIVISION 15 informal economy. In line with Alliance’s • Review and strengthen rights to flexible PERSONAL INCOME 16 longstanding commitment to migrants’ rights, and at-home working and protections for our Green New Deal calls for urgent measures those in that context. so that everyone in Northern Ireland can live • Encourage condensed hours by employers and work in dignity, including: for those wishing to avail, where it is CHAPTER 2 • Advocate for a complete overhaul of the practical to do so. Home Office, ending punitive policies FINANCIAL ISSUES • Introduce a universal childcare system to which put people at risk of poverty, meet the needs of families, subsidised by exploitation, and modern slavery, such as Government and centred on the child, No Recourse to Public Funds and the new ensuring that women and low-income points-based system. families can fully participate in the new • Continue to campaign for automatic status Green Economy. for EEA citizens post-Brexit. • Bring in regulations on mandatory gender • Grant asylum seekers the right to work so and ethnicity pay gap reporting for all they can support themselves and their employers with more than 50 employees, families and become active members of including a duty to produce an action plan. their communities. • Apply conditions to big-business bailouts • End employer-dependent visas so workers to safeguard workers and accelerate can change jobs or leave an exploitative decarbonisation. employer. • Ban companies from “fire and rehire” • Grant overseas students two years to find practices which have increased during the work after graduation. pandemic. • Decriminalise undocumented working for • Introduce additional and tailored support migrants and protect undocumented to sectors most impacted by wage floor workplace whistleblowers so that migrants increases, including considering a are safe from abuse and exploitation in the temporary reduction or rebalancing of informal economy. employer National Insurance contributions. • Abolish restrictions on working, opening • Introduce mandatory worker bank accounts, and getting driving representation on company boards above licenses. an established threshold and remuneration committees.

PAGE 12 THE GREEN ECONOMY FINANCIAL ISSUES PAGE 13 FUNDING A GREEN RECOVERY public spending. This increased spending revenue is raised and the associated public • Reviewing current tax relief schemes to would, in turn, bring very significant Barnett policy incentives, rather than increasing the ensure they meet their intended purpose Across the public and private sectors, Consequentials for the Northern Ireland overall tax take. and are not being exploited. Executive, allowing equivalent local measures there are pathways to finance the Green In the UK, tax on wealth is much lower than • Introducing a General Anti-Avoidance Rule, to be introduced. New Deal. tax on income, meaning the minority who setting an HMRC target to reduce the tax In addition to traditional public expenditure, make their income from assets such as gap. innovative financing means should also be property portfolios and the stock market are The recovery from the pandemic will not be • Strengthening the enforcement of and considered and developed. taxed less than the majority who work for straightforward or automatic. To do this and penalties for tax evasion. their salary. Many loopholes also exist that make our new green economy become a For the private sector, in addition to a revised enable multinational companies and super- We also call for urgent legislation to tackle reality, the UK Government and NI Executive regulatory framework and changed responses wealthy individuals to dodge tax. We want international tax-dodging, which harms the must radically change their approaches to to shifts in consumer demand, we need this system rebalanced to ensure everyone economies of both the UK and low and lower spending and taxation. incentives or subsidies from various levels of and every business pays their fair share. middle income countries including: In keeping with other countries worldwide, the Government. Levelling the playing field for business is also • The creation of a register requiring the UK should be undertaking a significant Some of the additional measures should essential at a local level. As we emerge from publication of company ownership economic stimulus that can be readily include: managed thanks to low interest rates. the pandemic, we must acknowledge and information in the UK’s Overseas Territories • Ensuring that the new National support those businesses that have suffered and Crown Dependencies. For context, the Institute for Public Policy Infrastructure Bank has a solid and the most. • A requirement for non-domestic Research (IPPR) puts the equivalent of the overarching focus on green investments. Biden Administration’s Covid-relief stimulus at As such, a fundamental review of the rating companies to pay tax on those profits approximately eight per cent of UK GDP and • Expansion of the British Business Bank to system should be conducted by the NI generated from within the UK. help viable small and medium-sized £190 billion in value3. Currently, the UK Assembly to improve its fairness and ensure a • The introduction of an international businesses gain access to affordable Government allocates just over half of this for business-friendly environment that is Financial Transactions Tax and, at a capital, even when the rest of the this financial year. conducive to economic recovery. UK-wide level, retaining the banking levy. commercial banking system can’t provide These changes to economic growth and tax There is also an unnecessary obsession it. mean that we can all proportionately benefit around keeping national debt levels below 100 NI COST OF DIVISION per cent of the value of GDP, which has been • Clear social and environmental criteria for from a green economy. government investment. exceeded in other times in UK history. It is The Alliance Green New Deal, therefore, calls We spend too much on duplication that simply unnecessary for the UK Government to • A legal duty on the UK Government to for: keeps us divided – reform will help us squeeze public finances so quickly. ensure it assesses its economic policies’ • Rebalancing of the tax system from build a better future and allow us to do likelihood of reducing regional inequality in From the International Monetary Fund (IMF) taxation on income to taxation on wealth, more to sustain a Green New Deal. the economy. to the Organisation for Economic Co- including equity between capital gains and operation and Development (OECD), there is • The introduction of a capital £50 billion dividend tax rates with income tax rates. Twenty-three years on from the Good Friday consensus among global experts for an Regional Rebalancing Programme for • Increasing the tax-free allowance for Agreement, we still remain a largely investment-led, green recovery that can be infrastructure spend across the UK regions, income tax so that lower-earners keep segregated society. Our divided society stifles sustained through Government borrowing. with local and devolved authorities given a more of what they earn. our progress and sustains sectarianism, with say in how it is used. This would be direct and indirect consequences – from According to the IMF’s Fiscal Monitor reinforced by funding for areas particularly • Introducing a carbon tax on all fossil fuel violence at interface areas to lost foreign 2020, “Before the COVID-19 crisis, public- affected by the net-zero transition. companies’ emissions, including imports direct investment opportunities. investment-to-GDP ratios were already and domestic extraction and imported

declining and the growth in infrastructure energy. A divided society also costs more to run. had not kept up with needs. TAX & SPENDING REFORM Research commissioned by the Department of • Ending de-facto subsidies to the fossil fuel Finance in 2015 estimates4 that the cost of In advanced and some emerging market industry and the divestment of local We want wellbeing, equity and security to division amounts to at least half a billion economies, where interest rates are near government pension funds from fossil fuels. pounds each year. their effective lower bound, scaling up of define our economic success. • Conducting an independent review of the quality public investment can have a The Alliance Green New Deal will therefore non-domestic rating (business rates) powerful impact on employment and Without a responsible approach to public press for the Executive to take the following system to ensure fairness. activity, crowd in private investment, and expenditure, we will be unable to deliver the actions to ensure that the cost of division is absorb excess private savings without green economy and society we need. We • Providing a more comprehensive range of more accurately quantified and factored into causing a rise in borrowing costs.” don’t want to see an undue burden on the VAT exemptions, including zero-rating decision making: taxpayer either. Tax changes are essentially sanitary products and sunscreen, and lower • Acknowledge the financial and other cost Such a package from the UK Government about rebalancing how and from whom rates for hospitality and housing implications of division, and commit to would involve a mixture of tax breaks and renovation.

3 https://www.ippr.org/files/2021-02/ippr-boost-it-like-biden-paper-2-21.pdf 4 https://www.ulster.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/86523/Cost-of-Division-Detailed-Paper.pdf

PAGE 14 FINANCIAL ISSUES FINANCIAL ISSUES PAGE 15 presenting a practical and costed plan to This review should be based on the principles NI EXECUTIVE 18 tackle these issues immediately and embed of dignity for all, support for those who need these plans in the next Programme for it, simplicity for the claimants, eradicating ALL-ISLAND COLLABORATION 18 Government and Budget. poverty, and ensuring meaningful pathways to UK GOVERNMENT 19 work. • Mandate all Departments to conduct formal audits of their budgets, publish their The Alliance Green New Deal also demands assessment of the impact of societal that the Government: division and develop a plan to reduce it. • Conduct urgent root and branch reform of CHAPTER 3 • Require all Departments to actively the UK-wide welfare system, repealing GOVERNMENT encourage de-segregation and promote cruel measures such as the bedroom tax, cohesion, sharing, and integration within benefits cap, two-child limit and six-month their policies and spending plans, including rule. clear deliverables in the form of the • Extend the welfare mitigations for Northern expansion of shared housing and Ireland as an interim step. integrated education. • End punitive sanctions and replace them • Ensure that the Fiscal Council has a role in with an incentive-based system. independently monitoring and reporting on the Cost of Division and impacting the • Reduce the five-week wait for the first current and future financial position, and Universal Credit payment and offer an more widely ensure that there is an interim grant. evidence-based approach to public • End outsourced medical assessments for expenditure. welfare and repetitive assessments for Savings from addressing the costs of people with lifelong, permanent or managing a divided society can be reinvested deteriorating conditions. in improving public services and investing in • Create a wide range of opportunities for economic change, including the Green New claimants to reskill or retrain, where Deal. appropriate. • Increase Universal Credit, Carers PERSONAL INCOME Allowance, Statutory Maternity Pay and Statutory Sick Pay. The UK social security system needs an • Expand the scope of the National Living urgent overhaul – we want a simplified Wage to cover workers aged 21 and over system based on dignity for all. and simplify the system by introducing a Youth Minimum Wage and abolishing both Urgent changes to the social security system the apprentice minimum wage and the are long overdue and will provide a various age rates. meaningful start to addressing poverty and • Support minimum wage equality for young ensuring a just society for all. people and conduct a review into minimum The Government is willing to waste billions yet and living wage standardisation across age refuses to provide support for those who need groups it. They unjustly pursue individuals for benefits • Expand free childcare provision and create fraud yet facilitate and indulge cronyism while a childcare system that is affordable, continuing to tolerate large-scale tax accessible, flexible, high quality, and avoidance by large companies and the supports children’s education and super-rich. We do not accept the logic that we development and helps parents into cannot afford a more generous welfare system employment. for those who need it. • Protect migrant workers from poverty, We're calling for a full review of the UK exploitation and modern slavery by welfare system, preferably by a Royal providing recourse to public funds and Commission or panel of experts, including the housing. option of a Universal Basic Income, with Northern Ireland potentially providing a trial.

PAGE 16 FINANCIAL ISSUES GOVERNMENT PAGE 17 NI EXECUTIVE Climate Action Policy ALL-ISLAND COOPERATION UK GOVERNMENT The Alliance Green New Deal would see The public deserve better – we should no Northern Ireland lead the way with its Climate Change doesn’t respect borders We want a Green New Deal at the heart of longer accept the status quo. ambition by putting a just transition at the and boundaries. Tackling the climate the UK Government. heart of our legislative process and civil emergency requires global collective For too long, our public services and economy service. action, and bilateral cooperation between At the 2021 United Nations Climate Change the UK and Ireland is crucial. have been held back by a dereliction of We will do this by: Conference (COP26) in November, the leadership and communication breakdown by decisions made by participating countries will the two largest parties in the Executive. • Creating a new Northern Ireland Executive In particular, the Alliance Green New Deal will define our future: emissions must fall by at Department for Energy and Climate prioritise close cooperation between the least half by 2030, and net-zero emissions The situation is stifling social cohesion, Change to take overarching responsibility Northern Ireland Executive and Irish must be reached no later than 2050 to damaging our communities and our young for tackling the climate emergency locally, Government in an all-island context. achieve the 1.5°C goal. people’s prospects. ensuring leadership on these issues, and Working together on areas such as Ahead of its presidency of COP26, the UK A system whereby the two largest parties can restoring public confidence in green energy agriculture, transport, and energy also present Government pledged at the end of 2020 to veto the creation of a cross-community initiatives, with a refocused DAERA huge opportunities to streamline and create reduce emissions by at least 68% by 2030 and government further reinforces the need for concentrating on agriculture, rural affairs services that better reflect how we live and end taxpayer support for fossil fuel projects reform to permit a voluntary coalition to be and other environmental issues. work. overseas. established. • Establishing an independent Environmental Areas for all-island cooperation include: These de-facto subsidies need to be abolished Northern Ireland has never consisted of only Protection Agency for Northern Ireland to immediately. Alliance is lobbying the UK two communities. It's time we had a political govern environmental protection – an • Implementing the second North-South Government to ensure it paves the most system that reflects today's open, progressive outstanding New Decade New Approach Interconnector and further development of ambitious path possible for other and diverse society. commitment. the integrated single electricity market to governments in November. maximise the use of renewables while • Delivering a Northern Ireland Climate Change Act. improving energy security and keeping We also support: The Starting Point – Governance prices competitive. • Introducing a dedicated Environment Act • The creation of a new dedicated To implement the Alliance Green New Deal, for Northern Ireland to go further than the • Developing all-island transport government department to oversee climate we need to work together as a society. weak UK Environment Bill. connectivity, including high-speed rail change policy. Therefore, we must first eliminate bad between Belfast and Dublin, and onto Cork • The creation of a Minister for Future governance and embed cross-Departmental • Establishing an Economic Strategy which and Limerick. Generations and a Future Generations Act cooperation. Some of the commitments we will support clean and inclusive growth and • Enhancing all-island research and modelled on the current Act for Wales, will implement include: create sustainable jobs for the future. development collaboration, in particular putting our young people and future • Replacing the current cross-community • Playing a leadership role in international using potential economies of scale to generations at the heart of every voting system with a weighted majority efforts to combat climate change and sustain large-scale projects. government decision. system free from designations. demonstrate our commitment to the Paris Agreement of 2015, by radically reducing • Coordinating agriculture and biodiversity • An increased focus on the concept of • Legislating for mandatory publication of emissions from the Northern Ireland policies. human security as defined by the UN party political donations backdated from Development Programme. economy. 2014 so the public knows who is funding • An inter-departmental approach to each political party. • Legislating for carbon-neutral local Government and incentivising renewables. meeting, and where possible, exceeding • Ensuring the implementation of commitments in the 2015 Paris Agreement. commitments within New Decade New • Working to ensure that the 17 United Approach on good governance, including Nations Sustainable Development Goals are establishing an independent Environmental fully implemented by 2030. Protection Agency. • Changing the voting age to 16 so that • Creating statutory duties to ensure cross- those most impacted by the climate departmental, ministerial and civil service emergency can have their say. cooperation. • Establishing citizens’ assemblies to work • Establishing citizens’ assemblies and alongside the Government, under the integrating community dialogue to ensure Parliament’s scrutiny, to inspect policies that the politically marginalised are central tackling the climate emergency and make to the new green economy and society. recommendations.

PAGE 18 GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT PAGE 19 TRANSPORT 21 TRANSPORT While future working arrangements and ENERGY 24 commuting habits are not certain, it is clear We need clean, accessible transport that that there will be no return to the pre- PLANNING & HOUSING 26 works for our communities, our pandemic status quo. SOCIAL CARE 28 environment, and our economy. The Alliance Green New Deal would prioritise making public transport safe to use and Public Transport incentivise passengers to return. We would lead change in how and when we travel and Chronic under-investment in public transport work; enabling more remote working spaces CHAPTER 4 has created a highly car-dependent society in in towns; encouraging staggered start and INFRASTRUCTURE Northern Ireland. finish times to reduce morning and evening Significant infrastructure investment is vital for peak commuting periods; introducing public a clean, sustainable transport system that transport pricing arrangements that recognise works for everyone. As well as drastically the five-day commute will reduce. reducing emissions, investment will create We should make our transport system as meaningful modal change, support equal green as anywhere in the world. To do this, we opportunities, reduce social exclusion and will: break down the socioeconomic transport divide. • Conduct a review on extending Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares System to The Alliance Green New Deal would create an include consideration of providing full Infrastructure Commission with a thirty-year concessionary fares to those with a vision to prioritise and report on infrastructure disability currently eligible for Half Fare projects. SmartPass, and increasing the age to which A medium-term strategy to modify and half-fares are available for children and reprioritise projects will also be required as young people from 16 to 22 as part of investment in sustainable and active travel wider Public Transport Recovery Plans. infrastructure versus roads needs to be • Create additional electric and hydrogen radically accelerated and rebalanced. This will bus manufacturing jobs by investing in necessitate reviewing some road-widening sustainable public transport such as projects currently listed by the Department electric and hydrogen buses. for Infrastructure. • Provide the ability to pay using credit and Despite proportionally lower investment than debit cards for bus and rail travel with caps elsewhere in the UK, the recent introduction incentivising regular and multi-modal of the Glider network and new NI railways travel. fleet highlight what investment in public transport can achieve, with passenger numbers rising pre-pandemic.

Average distance travelled per person per year by mode of transport.

Car

Other Private

Public Transport

Walking /Cycling

Source: Northern Ireland Carbon Intensity Indicators 2020, NISRA.

PAGE 20 INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE PAGE 21 • Invest in local bus networks that better Active Travel • Ensure full and meaningful engagement • Accelerate installation of charging points, reflect how we live and work, including at with Community Transport providers to including residential on-street points, ultra- We must rapidly ensure that walking and an all-island level. better enable operations, via improved fast chargers on key transport corridors cycling are accessible and safe across financial support from the Department for and at service stations, and work with the • Invest in Belfast-Dublin high-speed rail, Northern Ireland. To accelerate the move to Infrastructure. Electricity Supply Board to replace existing with branches to Derry~Londonderry and active travel, the Alliance Green New Deal will: charging points as necessary. Cork. • Roll out of the Belfast Bike scheme to the • Significantly increase spend per capita on greater Belfast area and other interested NI • Stimulate a competitive commercial market • Support an hourly Belfast-Dublin rail active travel, with £10 per person on towns and cities, particularly on arterial in EV charging and remove any regulatory service in the near future. cycling by 2025 at the latest instead of the routes with high commuter traffic volumes. and supply barriers that inhibit a average spend of less than £2. • Deliver the electrification of the Northern comprehensive charging network’s roll-out. • Introduce pilot e-bike hire schemes. Ireland Railways network. • Deliver the Bicycle Strategy for Northern • Work with local councils to take advantage Ireland and the Greenway Strategy, • Invest in rail construction jobs by of match funding and to address non- focusing on urban and rural areas across committing to and building on Translink’s Private Vehicles financial barriers for electric vehicles, NI. 5-year plan for rail investment alongside a Over 70% of all journeys in Northern Ireland including local measures such as parking, fresh review of the Railway Investment • Create an independent Active Travel are by car, rising to 87% for trips of one mile use of priority lanes, and public awareness Prioritisation Strategy. Commissioner for Northern Ireland with a or over. campaigns. specific, ring-fenced budget to deliver • Commission feasibility studies, where • Require all government departments and upon the above strategies, underpinned by In 2020 the UK Government made a welcome appropriate, to explore further expansion public sector bodies to purchase zero- obligations set out in an Active Travel Bill. announcement that it will phase out the sale of the rail network along previously closed of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by emission vehicles. lines, including Portadown to Armagh and • Prioritise cycling infrastructure across NI 2030, with all new cars and vans being fully • Develop a comprehensive plan to manage Knockmore to Antrim. such as cycle lanes, greenways and storage, zero-emission at the tailpipe from 2035. waste from EVs. in part by incentivising local councils to • Establish binding green conditions on new Currently, just over 0.3% of NI’s licensed bring forward schemes. • Promote Mobility as a Service, and create road infrastructure to encourage public vehicles are ultra-low emission vehicles an environment such that giving up car transport, better materials and offsetting • Invest in new rural or city road (ULEVs). ownership is a viable prospect for an emissions via rewilding initiatives. improvements such as footpath repair and We need to facilitate this transition by increasing number of people. lighting to include safe, active travel • Cross-border collaboration on important prioritising charging infrastructure urgently. options. • Replicate the Nottingham Workplace infrastructure projects, creating sustainable Once market-leading, our current charging Parking Levy, which places an annual transport links and jobs for the future, • Encourage active travel through marketing network lags behind the rest of the UK and charge of £415 on all employers who including the Ulster Canal, the Narrow campaigns. Ireland, with a significant proportion of our provide 11 or more workplace parking Water Bridge, and cross-border Greenways. current public charge points no longer • Significantly increase the number of school spaces to invest in public transport. operational. A reinvigorated charging network • Focus on addressing road safety concerns children participating in the Active Schools and renewable fuel sector will also support in considering future roads projects, such Travel Programme and Cycling Proficiency the decarbonisation of public transport and as A1 Phase 2 Junctions Improvement, Scheme. freight travel, including ferries and aviation. addressing air quality concerns, under- • Support the further roll-out of 20mph investment West of the Bann, and The Alliance Green New Deal will: school zones across Northern Ireland to connectivity concerns such as collaborative encourage road safety, give local councils • Follow Scotland’s lead in providing working with Scottish Government to the power to lower speed limits in their interest-free loans of up to £35,000 spread upgrade A75 and A77, and complying with areas, and support the trail of wider 20mph over six years towards the cost of an legally binding emissions targets. zones as has been seen in Wales. electric vehicle which could be used on top • Action the Barton Review into Structural of the OLEV plug-in grant scheme. • Publish a new, more ambitious Road Safety Maintenance Funding Requirements to Strategy that protects all road users, ensure that the current network is fit for including pedestrians. Licensed ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) at the end of 2020 Q2, by body type and region, United Kingdom. purpose. • Support people who choose to cycle with All Cars All Motorcycles Goods Vehicles HGV Buses & Coaches Other Vehicles Total

education, training, ‘Cycle to Work’ England 263,625 3,121 11,278 334 649 4,581 283,588 schemes and ‘Fix your Bike’ vouchers. Wales 6,108 82 379 5 1 51 6,626 • Require local councils to develop local transport plans as part of their community Scotland 17,181 139 745 8 27 177 18,277 planning function with targets to decrease the percentage of journeys by a private car NI 3,511 32 127 1 0 2 3,673 while addressing a historically inadequate provision in rural areas.

PAGE 22 INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE PAGE 23 Aviation ENERGY Effective Governance Energy Policies Air travel is an indisputable contributor to For too long, Energy and Climate Change The Alliance Green New Deal has huge carbon emissions, and Governments can and We must unlock NI’s potential for a bright policy in Northern Ireland has lacked ambition, ambitions for the new department. Our must act to reform the industry. and clean energy future. direction and joined-up action. We have seen energy policies will: energy schemes waste public money through As a small island, we will continue to rely on • Set ambitious targets for 80% renewable poor design and a lack of proper oversight in flights much more than Great Britain and the Energy is central to all our lives, but to tackle electricity generation by 2030; and 95% the past. rest of Europe. the climate emergency and protect our renewable electricity generation by 2035, environment for ourselves and future We must build on pioneering community recognising challenges in regards to We must ensure that the UK Government acts generations, we must leave the old ways of energy initiatives that have brought storage and ensuring stable supply for robustly and leads the way in reducing air producing electricity and heat behind. environmental, social and economic benefits Northern Ireland. travel while respecting the need to uphold and restore public confidence in energy connectivity for outlying parts of the UK, Northern Ireland has had notable success in • Require all Northern Ireland Departments schemes. especially recognising our unique position in recent years in renewable generation, to consider climate and the energy Northern Ireland. surpassing, by a considerable margin, its 40% Therefore, the Alliance Green New Deal will transition in policy development, to ensure renewables target for 2020, setting up urgently establish a single Department of all of Government is working together The Alliance Green New Deal will: community energy initiatives and supporting Energy and Climate Change. This Department towards our zero-carbon energy future, • Support the reform of Air Passenger Duty, innovative generation research projects. will tackle problems by: and maximising interventions to reach this so those who fly the most pay more, However, we can and must go further. goal. • Having a single Minister to champion shifting the burden onto those with the Alliance believes that Northern Ireland can be energy and climate change issues at the • Implement an immediate statutory ban on largest carbon footprint without removing an ambitious world leader in energy efficiency Executive Table. all current and future fossil fuel exploration, access to flights for those with limited and clean, net-zero technologies. These will including fracking, leaving the energy alternatives or resources. • Developing the proper oversight, expertise help us tackle the climate emergency and sources of yesterday in the ground. and administrative capacity to efficiently • Push the UK Government to ensure all improve people’s living standards across design and monitor clean energy schemes. • Prioritise the passage of planning funds raised in reducing emissions are Northern Ireland, with cleaner air, warmer and applications that propose increasing the invested in green initiatives. more efficient homes, and stable and • Directing policy and implementation of renewable energy capacity of Northern affordable energy prices. energy generation and efficiency schemes • Promote the innovation and development Ireland. through a single Executive department. of green aviation technologies and an • Introduce comprehensive support and associated manufacturing capacity. • Ensuring the integration of an Energy incentives for renewable generation which Strategy and Climate Change • Introduce a zero-carbon fuels blending would include: commitments across Executive requirement for domestic flights. Departments with clear, legally binding – Supporting energy cooperatives, which • Set green conditions for airline bailouts, provisions for cross-departmental have been successful in places like including net-zero carbon emissions by a cooperation through a ‘Climate Champion’. Denmark, where 90% of wind turbines specific date with interim targets and a are cooperatively owned. • Promoting citizen engagement and plan to deliver. If airlines fail to meet these empowerment in energy demand – Delivering a fit for purpose renewable conditions, bailout funding would be reduction, generation and supply, and electricity generation support scheme converted to equity so that the taxpayer actively encouraging changes to reduce that promotes new capacity and could own a stake. energy use and Northern Ireland’s carbon delivers value for money to consumers. • Invest through our universities and footprint. – Promoting microgeneration for manufacturers in the development of zero- We would also establish an independent businesses and homes via improved carbon aviation technologies, including the energy commission for Northern Ireland to technical and financial support and development and scaling up of potential provide expert advice and recommendations routes to market for small scale electric. to the Assembly and Executive on the generation, including solar and wind • Encourage the use of technology to pathway to zero-carbon energy and scrutinise installations. minimise the need for business travel. progress. – Encouraging community energy projects recognising the need for urgent action as other jurisdictions are considerably ahead with a 2GW target for Scotland by 2030. This includes supporting a single community energy organisation to guide projects and comprehensive financial support similar to the CARES and RESS Schemes in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

PAGE 24 INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE PAGE 25 – Identifying and promoting opportunities PLANNING & HOUSING New Retrofitting Programme • Ensure new developments are better for partnership working with public, connected for active travel and reduce Retrofitting is a fundamental component of private and non-profit organisations, travel emissions via developer We will retrofit housing to abolish fuel decarbonising the residential sector, building including the potential for asset transfer contributions as required. poverty and legislate, so the construction healthy homes and abolishing energy poverty. and asset locks where appropriate. sector builds long-life, green projects. • Permit development rights for green The Alliance Green New Deal will develop an – Ensuring that Northern Ireland develops energy infrastructure, following the ambitious retrofitting programme with off-shore wind installations to their example of electric car charging points. The gas network in Northern Ireland is not as implementation by 2030, which will: potential, to gain the benefits of reliable, extensive as in Great Britain, and around • Provide grants or loans for new builds large energy production closer to • Ensure the retrofitting of all social housing three-quarters of homes in Northern Ireland incentive, with loans repayment linked to population centres and transmission for renewable energy sources and are heated by oil or electric sources. energy savings. networks. insulation, creating many new jobs. Some pathways to decarbonise heat that rely • Require new builds to make provision for – Develop a Solar Energy Scheme to • Introduce universal access to grants, loans on modifying the gas network may be less electric vehicle charging and active travel. provide grants for private rooftop and suitable for Northern Ireland. Still, we can and advice from a single authority for ground-based photovoltaics to ensure make significant emissions savings in many insulating and future-proofing our housing • Promote the proper roll-out of Net-Zero that a more significant share of our properties by switching conventional oil stock. Emissions Building requirements, including technical booklets to assist architects and electricity needs is met through solar boilers to heat pumps. • Expand grant programs to encourage the construction sector, moving towards power. retrofitting of older homes, whether rental An intergovernmental response is required to Net-Zero Carbon. • Fund necessary investment in the grid, tackle residential emissions, meaning we must or owned. • Support the construction sector's including the second North-South engage the Department for Agriculture, • Make retrofitting Government and civic decarbonisation through renewable Interconnector and other cross-border Environment and Rural Affairs (Climate buildings a mandatory requirement. interconnection projects with Great Britain Change), Department of Finance (building sources of heat, power, and materials in the • Encourage clusters of communities to sign and France, to further develop the regulations and procurement), Department for building process. up to retrofit programmes. integrated Single Electricity Market to its Infrastructure (planning and transport), • Provide funding to support carbon-neutral full potential, ensure security of supply, Department for Communities (housing policy • Promote and offset costs for air and passive housing projects and tiny house stabilise prices, and quickly bring new and urban regeneration) and all local councils. ground-source heat pumps, high-efficiency communities and encourage further renewables online. boilers, and other low or zero-emission carbon-neutral developments. technologies for the rapid decarbonisation • Invest in making Northern Ireland a world- • Expand grant support to encourage repair of domestic heating. leader in emerging hydrogen technologies, and regeneration of Listed Buildings. promoting innovative projects producing • Roll out smart meters to electricity • Improve the reliability and quality hydrogen gas and alternative blends, and consumers, as has been widely done in assurance processes surrounding Energy researching how it can play a part in Great Britain. meeting challenges with energy storage, Performance Certificates, exploring how home heating and transport. • Reform building regulations with nearly rates can be used to incentivise EPC zero-energy buildings (NZEB); retrofitting improvements, and raising the required • Resource in research and development and grants; post-occupancy reviews; and standards for the private rental sector. utilising our local university expertise requirements for new builds to sustain 100 • Rewild urban residential areas to reduce air regarding strategic future energy years minimum. challenges such as energy storage, pollution and enhance our biodiversity. • Housing fitness standards to drive retrofit geothermal projects, carbon capture, • Ensure no reckless destruction by planning in the rental sector, a win/win for both storage and use, district heating solutions, decisions in areas of outstanding natural tenant and landlord. and off-shore technologies. beauty and national parks. The Alliance Green New Deal will also • Put in measures to ensure statutory prioritise fundamental changes to planning, consultees in the planning process are housing and construction. We will: correctly resourced so that 21-day response • Assist local councils in preparing their deadlines are met to consider critical Local Development Plans, ensuring environmental considerations. consistency with the Regional • Reform the Pre-Application Community Development Strategy and encouraging a Consultation process, including a tighter healthy density of socially mixed and timeframe and provision for physical and inclusive housing based around the needs virtual consultations. of communities and the environment.

PAGE 26 INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE PAGE 27 SOCIAL CARE Investing in Social Care AGRICULTURE 30 The first step is competitive pay and NATURE & BIODIVERSITY 31 Care work is essential, skilled work that conditions, and meaningful pay progression. deserves to be well paid, secure and The UK Government has recently committed WASTE MANAGEMENT 32 valued. to a long-term solution to low income in England, which, if introduced, would result in The past year has highlighted that the extra funding in Northern Ireland. infrastructure holding our society and In Westminster, we will push for this solution CHAPTER 5 economy together includes much more than to include a basis for continued rises in pay CONSERVATION transport, energy and construction. above and beyond increases to the National It has also demonstrated the tireless, skilled Minimum Wage and in line with increases yet undervalued work of our social care given to NHS staff. workforce. Our social care workforce needs a meaningful From childcare providers and adult care career path with: workers to our own family members, we all • Better opportunities for entry into the rely on care throughout our lives, and it's time profession. to redefine its role in our economy. • Career progression for existing social care. This sector is low-carbon and benefits people and the planet, with the potential to create • Proper training opportunities. many thousands of jobs across Northern • Professional recognition. Ireland. Social care jobs are therefore green Working conditions in Social Care also must jobs. change. For that reason, we want to continue We know that this work is mainly done by to fight for the elimination of zero-hour women, including migrant women, and is contracts in Northern Ireland. hugely under-recognised and under-paid – if In Westminster, we will keep fighting for an it’s paid at all. increase in Statutory Sick Pay and Carers In 2011, over 210,000 people in Northern Allowance. Ireland identified as unpaid carers. That means Finally, we must ensure that investing in green almost 15% of our workforce are trying to jobs of the future includes social care, with: balance work and care, and Carers NI estimates that by 2037 the number of carers • A universal, affordable childcare system, could double to 400,000. subsidised by Government and centred on the child, creating new jobs and ensuring

that women and low-income families can fully participate in the new Green Economy. • Thousands of adult care opportunities, so that 1 in 8 of us no longer need to provide unpaid care with little to no support.

PAGE 28 INFRASTRUCTURE CONSERVATION PAGE 29 AGRICULTURE As well as implementing audits, we will: NATURE & BIODIVERSITY • Make Northern Ireland supply chains deforestation-free by 2023, including • Introduce an Agriculture Act for Northern requiring NI businesses to demonstrate We will work alongside farmers to build a Ireland to include bespoke policies relevant We face a climate and ecological crisis, complete transparency to ensure sustainable farming system that tackles to the sector. and Northern Ireland's unique natural both the climate and wildlife crises while environment is under significant threat. consumers no longer contribute to the • Enable the sector to tackle ammonia producing quality food. destruction of vast swaths of forested land emissions by bringing forward a scheme to overseas. ensure anaerobic digesters are utilised and Northern Ireland has about 8% tree cover, • Ensure our protected areas on land and sea Our farmers play an essential role in driving do not encourage food waste. The scheme thought to be the lowest in Europe, and our are managed effectively, moving towards nature’s recovery, and matters like cattle will promote the purchase of anaerobic forest coverage is around 40% lower than the creating a low carbon economy. grazing and hedgerow maintenance are digesters and provide funding for vapogant UK average. Therefore, it’s hardly surprising critical to protecting our wildlife and digestate evaporators to help reduce that, unlike Great Britain, our land use, land- • Deliver a Peatland Conservation biodiversity. ammonia emissions. use change, and forestry sector is a net Programme, a strategic plan to support the carbon source rather than a net sink.5 climate mitigation plans through peatland Across Ireland, climate and soil mean we • Continue support for research on ruminant and carbon stores conservation, restoration depend on a grass-based industry. Permanent diets to reduce methane emissions. We can seize many cross-cutting grass and trees are crucial for carbon environmental and economic opportunities, and improved management. • Encourage the use of renewable energies sequestration. such as rewilding, to enable landowners and • Promote biodiversity initiatives across such as battery-powered electric or rural communities to diversify their income in primary, post-primary and third-level Nevertheless, much can and must be done to hydrogen tractors and other farm vehicles areas where farming alone is no longer viable. sectors, and ensure that schools, colleges, make the industry more sustainable. charged by locally generated wind or solar. We need ambitious, long term plans and and universities across the country play an Nearly 30% of NI’s greenhouse gas emissions • Facilitate combined application of both concrete actions to restore our damaged active role in providing areas to promote are from agriculture, compared to 10% in the organic amendments and the reduction of ecosystems. The Alliance Green New Deal will: biodiversity, including funding biodiversity rest of the UK. This reflects the importance of chemical fertiliser, to be applied only where degrees. agriculture to our economy. Our farming required as a sustainable tool for soil • Deliver an ambitious afforestation • Encourage a greater connection to nature sector is also much more heavily livestock- restoration. programme of native woodland species to based, and it is likely to remain so. increase Northern Ireland tree cover and through community engagement, including Nature-Friendly farming will also be achieve the current target of 12% cover by greater participation and encouragement With around 25,000 farms in Northern Ireland, encouraged through: 2050 (approx. 2,000 hectares of trees a of eco-schools and nature-focused most of which are small and family-run, the year) by a mixture of traditional forestry, community events. Alliance Green New Deal will support our • Expanding the Environmental Farming agroforestry, orchards and amenity farmers in embracing environmentally Scheme to promote habitat restoration, • Create training opportunities and jobs for planting. beneficial farming practices, reducing their including linking areas of high value by qualified vocational forest schools carbon footprint, and better using and wildlife corridors. • Increase cross-border cooperation on the programmes and create additional protecting natural resources and biodiversity. • Supporting land managers transition to protection of the natural environment woodland areas in our educational through the independent Environmental infrastructure so that all children have the alternative land uses, including help with skills, training, information and support Protection Agency. opportunity to learn through an outdoor Carbon Audits for NI Farms resource. with up-front costs and long-term payback • Establish an effective future land The Alliance Green New Deal’s starting point of investing in alternative uses. management scheme to provide • Establishing more Marine Protected Areas for agriculture will be fully funded carbon • Promoting biodiversity gains by assisting landowners with resources and tools to (MPAs) and supporting their management audits of farms. Audits will assess where the planting of trees, hedges, and other improve the natural environment. through increased resources and performance improvements and savings can regulations to reduce overfishing, marine flora, the protection of existing trees and • Set new ambitious, legally binding targets be made, as farms with a low carbon footprint pollution and ocean acidification. hedgerows, and the restoration and to protect our natural environment and are often the most efficient and profitable. preservation of peat bogs. drive the restoration of species and • Supporting the urgent ban of industrial Audits will occur every five years and be • Reviewing assistance of farmers into habitats. fishing vessels such as supertrawlers from conducted by consultants approved by NIEA operating in UK MPAs. or an independent Environmental Protection diversification through new programmes • Establish alignment with international Agency (EPA). such as agri-tourism. efforts and environmental cooperation, particularly on actions to tackle illegal and They will identify the best techniques to • Promoting local, sustainable produce unsustainable trade in timber, wildlife, ivory, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and through investing in food markets and farm and fish. prove how much carbon is being stored in shops, putting local food producers at the farmland, taking account of the mix of heart of our communities. enterprises on each farm. Audits would be required for future eligibility for government funding. Financial support will also be dependent on emissions reduction and increased carbon sequestration.

PAGE 30 CONSERVATION CONSERVATION PAGE 31 WASTE MANAGEMENT We will additionally invest in sustainable local initiatives, such as: We will create a single focused waste • Clothes and toy banks in all local council CHAPTER 6 management system that will reward areas to encourage the reuse of clothing, GLOBAL JUSTICE recycling and end our overuse of waste to toys and school uniform exchanges. landfill. • Repair cafes, mimicking EU ‘right to repair’ legislation to help small repair businesses The Alliance Green New Deal will implement and community groups combat ‘planned an extensive review of the current waste obsolescence’. management structures in Northern Ireland, including an urgent review of the existing • Removing VAT on clothing repairs to residual waste capacity in landfill and incentivise reuse. incineration. We will reject any new waste • Sponsoring local councils to recognise local management infrastructure proposals before environmental achievements for business this is completed. and community. In the UK, for food waste alone, a quarter of what is purchased is wasted every year, producing the equivalent of over 20 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, costing over £20 billion. To radically reduce emissions in waste management, the Alliance Green New Deal will: • Introduce a Circular Economy Action Plan between the 11 councils in Northern Ireland. • Establish a statutory waste recycling target of 70% in Northern Ireland by 2030. • Extend separate food waste collections to 100% of homes by 2025. • Strengthen domestic and commercial incentives to recycle and reduce waste sent to landfill and incineration. • Consult on the introduction of an incineration levy in Northern Ireland. • Make producers responsible for the waste they create and the total cost of recycling or disposal, encouraging more sustainable design and manufacturing. • Roll out deposit return schemes for all food and drink bottles and containers. • Reduce the number of waste management authorities to improve efficiency and consistency across the sector. • Prioritise a plan to eliminate plastic pollution, including banning single-use plastic carrier bags by 2025.

PAGE 32 CONSERVATION GLOBAL JUSTICE PAGE 33 GLOBAL JUSTICE As well as supporting legislation to tackle international tax dodging in Westminster, an Industrialised nations disproportionately Alliance Green New Deal will continue to: bear responsibility for climate change – • Demand the UK Government reinstate a we demand justice for communities at the standalone Department for International frontline. Development (DfID), with an aid budget of at least 0.7% of gross national income. Countries in the Global South faced with • Demand urgent safe, legal routes to claim geographical exposure, heightened levels of asylum in the UK. poverty, political instability, and exploitation of their natural resources are the most at risk and • Support a global climate change fund to least responsible for the climate emergency. help ensure that low-income countries can mitigate the impact of climate change and The UK’s global responsibility is compounded support international calls for by ongoing funding of overseas fossil fuel compensation. projects and its history of exploitation through imperialism. • Support UN efforts to introduce a binding international treaty on business and human As a result of climate change, experts rights, making companies legally estimate that there could be anywhere accountable for failing to prevent human between 25 million and 1 billion people forced rights abuses or environmental damage in to leave their homes by 2050.6 their operations and supply chains. The UK immigration system is broken, cruel, • Create much higher scrutiny and and cynical. The Government’s new restrictions on UK arms exports, ending Immigration Act 2020 strengthens the hostile exports to countries that engage in environment, letting racism feed off the myths aggression against others and repression and prejudices around “low-skilled” and domestically. “illegal” immigration. • Support the financing and delivery of the The UK must lead the way in supporting United Nations’ 17 Sustainable countries already suffering loss and damage. Development Goals (SDGs) and the This justice requires international agreement, commitment made by all UN member accountable implementation, and states to ‘leave no one behind’ by 2030 compensation. • Increasingly focus on human security as defined by the United Nations Development Programme. • Support an end to all aid spending on fossil fuel production overseas, redirecting it towards international climate aid. • Ensure any trade deals are consistent with tackling climate justice. • Support the rights of small-scale farmers in the Global South to gain access to land, seed and finance, and uphold indigenous peoples’ right to land.

5 Jacobson 1988; Myers 1997, 2002; Stern 2006.

PAGE 34 GLOBAL JUSTICE