An at-a-glance guide to the policies of the new Government and the underlying manifesto commitments of the Coalition partners.

The new Government has announced the high level agreements reached between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats on key issues pending the development of a more detailed Coalition Agreement. In addition to identifying areas of agreement, the joint statement, published on 11 May 2010, sets out a modus operandi for dealing with key areas of difference. The statement provides the first indication of the likely impact of the new administration on the energy sector.

With recent opinion polls pointing towards a hung Parliament, it's looking likely that the manifestos of at least two of the three main parties are going to be of enduring significance for the energy, water and waste sectors. We hope that, whatever the outcome of the Election, this guide to the manifestos of the main parties will be of assistance to you in negotiating your way through the regulatory and commercial regime as it develops after 6 May. Paul Brennan can be contacted on 0118 955 3004.

The Committee on Climate Change calls for radical action to get the UK back on course to meet its emissions reduction targets. Paul Brennan looks at its recommendations.

In its first progress report "Meeting Carbon Budgets – the need for a step change" the Committee on Climate Change calls for a "fundamental review" of energy and carbon markets, and a rapid acceleration in consents and funding if the UK’s carbon budgets are to be met. Click on the link to read the full article.