Published on Thursday 23 January, Citizens Advice has warned the government that it risks “fatally undermining” the country’s ability to reach net zero by 2050. In the first of a series of reports examining the impact of net zero on consumers, the charity reveals a gap in public understanding about changes that will be necessary for the UK to become carbon neutral. The commitment to reach net zero by 2050 was supported by 82% surveyed, but the majority are worried about the costs and inconvenience of making changes. To ensure that consumers are at the heart of net zero, Citizens Advice called for the government’s upcoming heat policy roadmap to include consumer protections and a programme of support for people to adopt low-carbon heating systems, as well as clear information to give consumers confidence to change the way they use energy.
