Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Community Energy Schemes 2023-11-28

2023-11-28

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TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Patrick Grady
▸ Context
The development of community energy schemes faces challenges including lengthy processes and legislative barriers.
What steps her Department is taking to support the development of community energy schemes? Does the Minister recognise the frustration and disappointment at the length of time and legislative barriers for campaigning groups who want these schemes to progress?
Andrew Bowie
The Government have created a new £10 million community energy fund to support projects in England. We are working with the sector on content and timetable for consultation on barriers, but no specific solutions or timelines are provided yet.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or commitments regarding legislative barriers were not addressed.
Working With Organisations To Take A View When It Responds
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Patrick Grady
▸ Context
Campaigning community groups face frustrations and disappointment due to lengthy processes and barriers.
Does the Minister recognise the frustration and disappointment at the length of time and legislative barriers for campaigning groups who want these schemes? It is the most secure way of generating electricity, so why are they denying consumers this choice?
Andrew Bowie
Far from denying consumers opportunity, we are already beginning to work with organisations such as the Community Energy Contact Group. On content of consultation, a view will be taken when it responds.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or timelines for addressing legislative barriers were not provided.
Working With Organisations Need To Take A View
Response accuracy
Q3 Direct Answer
Mark Pritchard Con
The Wrekin
▸ Context
Solar taskforce initiatives have overlooked farm buildings as potential sites for solar installations.
Will my hon. Friend liaise with colleagues and the National Farmers Union on combining community energy schemes with farmers in rural areas? Why does the solar taskforce mention supermarket rooftops but not farm buildings?
Andrew Bowie
I hear very much what my right hon. Friend says and understand his concerns. I accept a meeting on behalf of the Minister to discuss these issues moving forward.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy