(1)The Secretary of State may decide to carry back part of the carbon budget for a budgetary period to the preceding budgetary period.
The carbon budget for the later period is reduced, and that for the earlier period increased, by the amount carried back.
(2)The amount carried back under subsection (1) must not exceed 1% of the carbon budget for the later period.
(3)The Secretary of State may decide to carry forward the whole or part of any amount by which the carbon budget for a budgetary period exceeds the net UK carbon account for the period.
The amount of the carbon budget for the next budgetary period is increased by the amount carried forward.
(4)Before deciding to carry an amount back or forward under this section, the Secretary of State must—
(a)consult the other national authorities, and
(b)obtain, and take into account, the advice of the Committee on Climate Change.
(5)Any such decision must be made no later than 31st May in the second year after the end of the earlier of the two budgetary periods affected.