UK department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy split into three new departments

On 7 February 2023 Prime Minister Rishi Sunak split the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) into three new departments creating the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities remains relatively unchanged apart from the appointment of Rachel Maclean, MP for Redditch in Worcestershire as the sixth Minister of State for Housing in 12 months. Indication so far is that planning policy for energy infrastructure will remain with DLUHC rather than being re-alloacted to the new Department for Energy Security and Net-Zero (DESNZ). It has been reported that Kemi Badenoch will become the new construction minister, although this has not been confirmed.

[edit] Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Michelle Donelan is the minister responsible for the new department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), she is the former universities minister, now a cabinet-level position as secretary of state. George Freeman, who was minister of state with responsibility for science at BEIS, retains a minister of state position in the new department. The government announcement stated;

“A dedicated Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will drive the innovation that will deliver improved public services, create new and better-paid jobs and grow the economy,” the prime minister’s office said in a press release. “Having a single department focussed on turning scientific and technical innovations into practical, applicable solutions to the challenges we face will help make sure the UK is the most innovative economy in the world.”

For further updates visit the Designing Buildings page Department for Science, Innovation and Technology‎

[edit] Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

The new Department for Energy Security and Net-Zero (DESNZ) is headed up by Grant Shapps, previously the Secretary of State for BEIS.

A statement from the Government says it has been tasked with “securing our long-term energy supply, bringing down bills and halving inflation. The move recognises the significant impact rising prices have had on households across the country as a result of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine, and the need to secure more energy from domestic nuclear and renewable sources as we seize the opportunities of net zero.”

Indication from this implies that warnings given in the Net-Zero Review, due to be updated in March, might influence actions, as it implied the current approach is not sufficient enough to deliver deep emissions cuts or seize the opportunity of the social and economic benefits of the transition.

For further updates visit the Designing Buildings page Department for Energy Security and Net Zero‎;

[edit] Department for Business and Trade

The Department for Business and Trade brings business and trade together into a single department, creating a department with all the levers to unleash the power of British businesses and reform regulation to reduce burdens and unlock Brexit freedoms. Kemi Badenoch MP who was appointed Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade on 6 September 2022 is the new as Business and Trade Secretary.

The department will bring together business expertise and world-class trade negotiators under the vision of making the UK the best place to start and grow a business - driving growth, increasing jobs, and raising wages and living standards. It will amplify engagement between business and government and strengthen the offer to international investors. The department will support investment, unlock exports, and open up new markets through trade deals, with joined-up offers of support to UK businesses operating both at home and abroad.

The Department for Business and Trade brings together the business focused functions of the former Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Department for International Trade (DIT).

For further updates visit the Designing Buildings page Department for Business and Trade‎

For more information see the UK Gov press release "PM: Making government deliver for the British people" dated February 7, 2023.

[edit] Industry responses

ECA the Leading engineering services trade body has broadly welcomed the creation of the new Government Department for Energy Security and net Zero. The body, which represents 3,000 electrotechnical businesses and 66,000 professionals in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, says the move has the potential to make a step change in the efforts to reach Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050.

Paul Reeve, ECA Director of CSR said:

“We trust the new Department for Energy Security and net Zero will rapidly engage not only with the Government’s own Net Zero Carbon commitments, but also the recent recommendations of the Skidmore review, which confirmed the huge economic and other benefits of actively pursuing Net Zero.

“The new Department must focus on boosting UK low carbon energy from renewables and nuclear, and the skills base that will ensure safe and reliable delivery.

“In the context of achieving energy resilience and Net Zero, it should also review the strategic potential for tidal energy to provide a major, storable renewable energy resource for the UK.”

As Britain expands its use of renewable energy sources and electrifies its transport and heating infrastructure, the role of electrotechnical contractors and engineering services businesses is becoming ever more prominent. The industry’s workforce plays a vital role in delivering energy security and building safe and reliable systems for consumers.

ECA highlighted the importance of joined-up energy policy, green skills, competence and safety in its flagship multimedia series, Leading the Charge.

Ref "ECA welcomes creation of new Energy & Net Zero Department" dated February 7.

Civil Engineering Contractors Association director Marie-Claude Hemming said: “The Prime Minister’s creation of a dedicated department for energy will, if accompanied by sufficient levels of investment, drive the UK’s mission to deliver a clean energy future. “It offers the opportunity to turbo-charge the UK’s dash for green growth in light of the changing face of the energy sector, not least due to recent spikes in energy costs caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.”

Ref Construction enquirer "Shapps to lead new Net Zero Government department" dated February 7.

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• Government net zero review 2022.
• Half of public sector bodies not planning for net zero carbon.
• LETI calls for responses to BEIS net zero review.
• Net zero by 2050.
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• UK Energy Bill Relief Schemes.

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