Crown Estate Bill [Lords] 2025-02-24

Proposes that the Welsh Government should control and benefit from natural resources within two years of the Act's commencement. Emphasises historical exploitation and current issues such as child poverty at 34.4% by end of decade. Highlights Scotland’s successful devolution in 2017, advocating for similar implementation in Wales.

The fishing sector in Northern Ireland could be impacted by measures taken for net zero development, such as wind farms. The Crown Estate must consider the effects on fishing when leasing and consenting.

Devolution of the Crown Estate to Wales would ensure local supply chains are used, keeping money in Wales. This is critical for communities like Milford Haven where renewable development will be crucial.

Devolution of the Crown Estate could look at what is happening in Scotland as a model, addressing practicalities and ensuring local economic benefits. This would involve regional strategies for renewable energy projects.

Proposes an amendment to limit the Crown Estate’s borrowing power to no more than a net debt-to-asset value ratio of 25%, arguing that this is necessary to prevent overreach and ensure parliamentary oversight. Also, suggests new clauses for transparency regarding asset disposals and partnership agreements with GB Energy.

Supports the Bill as an important step towards tackling climate change and ensuring energy security. Argues against amendments 3 and 5 and new clauses 5 and 6, stating that they would reduce flexibility for the Crown Estate in managing its assets and potentially harm business interests.

Supports the Bill while calling for financial accountability, proportionate borrowing caps, protection of nature in marine environments, and community benefits. Argues that the Liberal Democrat amendments aim to ensure the bill delivers both environmental and social benefits.

The amendment seeks to clearly define sustainable development in the Crown Estate’s framework agreement, including a climate and nature duty. The speaker argues that this is necessary for accountability, economic benefits, environmental protection, and ensuring local communities benefit from large-scale developments.

Supports the Bill, arguing it will enable the Crown Estate to borrow, invest and back long-term projects that deliver real benefits for communities. Emphasises its potential economic impact in Wolverhampton North East through job creation, apprenticeships and manufacturing opportunities.

Questions Mrs Brackenridge about the Bill's impact on jobs and opportunities for young people. Emphasises the economic growth of the net zero sector compared to the overall UK economy, highlighting the need to seize this opportunity.

Agrees with Mrs Brackenridge that removing outdated restrictions on the Crown Estate will benefit constituents across the country by allowing greater return for the public purse and driving economic growth through local communities.

Supports amendment 3 regarding coastal erosion, advocating for protections similar to those given to energy infrastructure in Happisburgh. Highlights the need for fairness towards communities living alongside renewable energy infrastructure and the importance of protecting against climate change impacts.

Supports the Bill, highlighting potential benefits for Truro and Falmouth from floating offshore wind. The MP mentions a CBI report showing green economy growth three times faster than national average with higher wages.

Expresses frustration over the Government's refusal to devolve Crown Estate powers to Wales. The MP argues that profits generated in Welsh waters should benefit local communities rather than flowing directly to the UK Treasury.

Opposes new clause 7, which seeks devolution of the Crown Estate to Northern Ireland. The MP argues that the current Stormont Executive is incapable of handling such controversies due to unresolved historical issues involving Lough Foyle.

Concerned about the impact on fishing fleets in Portavogie, Ardglass and Kilkeel. Requests assurances from the Minister that any development will not harm the fishing sector's sustainability.

Mr. Shannon emphasises his support for renewable energy but expresses concern about the sustainability of the fishing industry in Kilkeel and Ardglass due to Crown Estate activities. He also highlights additional red tape faced by local councils when dealing with the Crown Estate, while acknowledging its social impact through initiatives like homelessness schemes. Mr. Shannon requests assurances that existing relationships are not compromised for new developments.

Mr. Lake questions whether the devolution of Crown Estate powers to Scotland has fragmented the market and been detrimental, challenging the Minister's stance on similar proposals for Wales.

Ms. Roberts seeks quantifiable benefits of retaining Crown Estate powers in their current form and questions whether the Minister can provide such specifics.

Ms. Roberts criticises the Minister's argument, suggesting it is an extraordinary claim that Wales cannot benefit from Crown Estate devolution. She questions whether the Minister has discussed this with Welsh Labour.

Mr. Murray clarifies his point, stating that a devolved entity in Wales would be starting from scratch at a critical juncture of commercial investment processes. He supports the Crown Estate's role in advancing energy capacity and increasing net profits.

Ms. Medi highlights that the Barnett formula is not fair for Wales, referencing a Scottish model where £10 million was taken out of the block grant but communities received £103 million back as a fair exchange.

Mr. Shannon seeks assurance that ambitious net zero targets will not negatively impact the fishing sector in Northern Ireland and asks for direct contact with the Northern Ireland commissioner regarding fishing concerns.

Mr. Murray reassures Mr. Shannon about the Crown Estate's commitment to sustainable management of the seabed, including environmental assessments and adherence to marine plans. He also emphasises that the Bill will not impact commercial fishing activities directly.

Ms. Heylings expresses willingness to withdraw the new clause but seeks reassurance regarding a potential review of the memorandum of understanding between the Crown Estate and Marine Management Organisation due to new investment powers.

Proposes new clause 5 to impose a requirement for the Crown Estate to seek Treasury consent before disposing of assets valued at 10% or more of its total assets in any year, and new clause 6 to mandate the Chancellor to lay partnership agreements with Great British Energy before Parliament.

Argues that devolving the Crown Estate to Wales could lead to greater alignment with Welsh economy and strengthen local supply chains, citing a £700 million investment in Scotland as evidence. Criticises lack of ambition from Labour Government regarding child poverty reduction.

There is support across the House for the aims of the Bill, which will deliver the modernisation that the Crown Estate needs, and should generate greater returns for the Exchequer. However, we are disappointed that the Government have resisted our proposals for greater transparency and appropriate parliamentary oversight, including on borrowing.