Simon Bittlestone

Value-for-Money Director, National Audit Office @naoorguk. Mostly covering #DESNZ. Views my own.

[Simon Bittlestone @simon_nao]

I’m now mainly on Bluesky with the handle https://t.co/7KO7cMfYKf

[Simon Bittlestone @simon_nao]

@SiOldridge You might also be interested in the Public Accounts Committee session this morning, where MPs asked government about future plans for CCUS. The DESNZ Permanent Secretary said more would be announced next spring - we'll be monitoring with interest! (3/3) https://t.co/jTL1jGZZI9

[Simon Bittlestone @simon_nao]

After many years and failed attempts, government reaching terms to support a CCUS project is a significant achievement.

Important now it learns from experience doing this deal and can draw learning from construction/operation to feed into future projects

https://t.co/bA4KmpMX2G

[Simon Bittlestone @simon_nao]

@SiOldridge In terms of future NAO work, we'll be tracking government's progress against the recommendations we have made, including recommendation b which feels most relevant to the points you are making (2/3)

[Simon Bittlestone @simon_nao]

@SiOldridge Thanks for this. You may have seen our July report - we based our assessment on the government and CCC's position that CCUS is 'essential', but we would expect government to keep that position under review as any new evidence emerges.

https://t.co/LILDJUQTJO

[Simon Bittlestone @simon_nao]

Carbon capture and storage in the UK is at a critical juncture as we await announcements from government on its deals to support the first wave of projects.

I'll be talking about the NAO's recent work on CCS at Monday morning's @wfpevents conference

https://t.co/mgA8BEuZG3

[Simon Bittlestone @simon_nao]

This week we published our DESNZ Overview 2023-24, summarising key information about the Department based on our previous audit work.

The last couple of pages also summarise 'What to look out for' over the coming months.

https://t.co/ONERdTHsVF

[Simon Bittlestone @simon_nao]

You can hear me say more about our decarbonising home heating report at the Westminster Forum on Monday morning
https://t.co/4bTTpeoNbw

[Simon Bittlestone @simon_nao]

Catching up on gov's Warm Homes Plan announcements, one that stands out is the change in payment-in-lieu on the Clean Heat Market Mechanism from £3k to £500. It will be important for DESNZ to monitor the impact this has on the CHMM's effectiveness and adjust its plan accordingly

[Simon Bittlestone @simon_nao]

It's clear that in a tight fiscal situation to get anywhere near its ambitions government will need regulations like the CHMM to work effectively, complementing exchequer-funded policies, like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

[Simon Bittlestone @simon_nao]

Today's increase to the price cap comes on the back of mounting consumer debt. Our report last week highlighted that debt has risen from £1.8bn in 2021 to £3.7bn in June and recommended DESNZ and Ofgem consider actions that reduce debt over time

https://t.co/T7d9suSDqX

[Simon Bittlestone @simon_nao]

This Monday, I'll be presenting at @wfpevents forum on decarbonising heat. I will be running through the key findings and recommendations from our report earlier this year on government's progress in this crucial aspect of #netzero

https://t.co/4Q1SYMJxVH

[Westminster Forum Projects @wfpevents]

Westminster Energy, Environment & Transport Forum are hosting an online conference on the 25th November discussing Next steps for decarbonising heat in UK homes.

Our speaker line up includes @HPFederation @MShepheard @jmacmullan and more.

More info: https://t.co/tHUsHo0U2n

[National Audit Office @NAOorguk]

We've identified 7 enablers to tackle the challenges that government faces in its climate change and environment work.

They include integrating climate and environmental ambitions with each other, and supporting well-managed risk taking.

Our report 👇
https://t.co/dsBs6jRZQT

[National Audit Office @NAOorguk]

Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage is essential to achieving net zero in the UK. But how does this actually work?

Watch our overview on this important new technology ⬇️

Read our report on the progress made implementing this tech across the UK: https://t.co/pVUicyxrIi

[National Audit Office @NAOorguk]

Government must make public money work harder.

We think there are significant opportunities to get better value for the taxpayer.

Read our insights on how to do it ⬇️

https://t.co/nc0I0SMVhk

[National Audit Office @NAOorguk]

We have distilled the most important messages from our work on value for money and brought them together in a new report for the new Parliament, 'Making public money work harder'.

https://t.co/nc0I0SMVhk