Aviation Noise and Fuel 2023-03-02
2023-03-02
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the health and economic impacts of aircraft noise on communities below flight paths. She cites specific incidents affecting residents across west and south-west London.
What recent assessment has been made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential (a) health and (b) economic impact of noise pollution on communities below aircraft flightpaths?
The Government recognise that there are impacts associated with aircraft noise and keep all relevant evidence under review. The Department for Transport has commissioned research on the effects of aviation noise on annoyance, health and wellbeing, and a further survey is planned this year. Major airports map their noise impacts every five years.
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Assessment & feedback
The assessment of specific health and economic impacts and measures to address them were not addressed in detail.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights ongoing issues faced by constituents due to constant aircraft noise. She expresses concerns about potential intensification of noise as a result of airspace modernisation.
Will the Minister commit to reinstating the independent noise ombudsman, and to working with Environment Ministers to make aircraft noise a statutory nuisance?
There have been noise-related restrictions on major airports including Heathrow. Technology is already making a significant difference, with new models reducing noise by 30% to 50%. Consultation on proposals for the next night-flight regime will begin in October 2025.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to reinstating an independent noise ombudsman and statutory nuisance status was not provided.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes that no commitment was made on SAF production at a recent airports conference. He criticises the Government's Jet Zero Council for achieving little.
What is the status of commitments and actions towards producing sustainable aviation fuel in the UK?
£165 million has been put into the advanced fuels fund to support five UK sustainable aviation fuel plants, with a mandate planned for 2025. Modernisation is complex but vital for noise impact protection.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans and targets for SAF production were not detailed sufficiently.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references the Transport Committee's report recommending a contracts for difference model to support SAF production.
How will the Government respond to the recommendation of introducing a CfDs model for supporting sustainable aviation fuel?
Aware of calls for CfDs, the Government is working on not merely the mandate but a clearing house to support testing and certification. The mandate remains the current policy focus.
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Assessment & feedback
Details on implementing CfD model were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questions the progress on decarbonising aviation through airspace modernisation and SAF production.
What are the Government's plans to ensure their targets for five plants operating by a target date are met, considering current funding?
Free route airspace introduced in 2021 over Scotland is estimated to save the carbon dioxide equivalent of the power used by 3,500 family homes every year. The Government is taking a wide range of measures towards modernisation and SAF support.
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Assessment & feedback
Details on meeting plant operation targets and long-term SAF use were not provided.
Response accuracy