Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

New Energy Infrastructure: Community Benefit Scheme

Tuesday 17 December 2024 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Robbie Moore inquired about establishing a community benefit scheme for households near new energy infrastructure, particularly concerning 65 wind turbines proposed in Calderdale.
  • Robbie Moore questioned how constituents on the periphery of proposed development areas can ensure they receive a fair share of any community benefit scheme.
  • Melanie Onn discussed various community benefits from energy companies, highlighting financial benefits to consumers through schemes like the Octopus fan club.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley
Energy Environment
Context

The MP is concerned about a proposal to build wind turbines on protected peatland in the neighbouring area, which would not benefit his constituents despite their proximity.

Question

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing a community benefit scheme for households near new energy infrastructure. There is a proposal to build 65 wind turbines on protected peatland in Calderdale council area, which I am staunchly against. My constituents will not benefit from any community benefit scheme despite being on the periphery. How will the Secretary of State ensure my constituents get their fair share if the development is approved?

Answer from Michael Shanks

We are exploring options for community funds and direct support for households to ensure they benefit from hosting clean energy infrastructure. However, I cannot comment on the specific details of the case without more information about why the community might not benefit.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifics on how constituents will get their fair share if development is approved

How: I Cannot Comment On The Specific Details Of The Case

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Q2 Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley
Energy Environment
Context

The MP is concerned about a proposal for wind turbines on peatland that would not benefit nearby communities.

Question

To make matters worse, if the development is approved, my constituents will not benefit from any community benefit scheme, despite being on the periphery of the proposed location. How will the Secretary of State ensure that my constituents get their fair share of any community benefit scheme should the proposal be approved?

Answer from Michael Shanks

Communities are able to contribute to consultations and planning applications for national infrastructure. However, less than 1% of land in this country would be used for solar farms if we are to have the clean power future and energy security needed.

Not addressed: Specifics on how constituents will get their fair share if development is approved

How: Communities Can Contribute To Consultations

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Q3 Melanie Onn Lab Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes
Climate Energy
Context

The MP highlights various community benefits from renewable energy projects, particularly those that reduce consumer bills.

Question

Community benefits come in many forms—Ørsted has contributed £1 million to Horizon Youth Zone and RWE supports Projekt Renewable. The most wide-reaching benefit is to people's pockets with schemes like the Octopus fan club bringing down bills when renewables are used. How can other energy retailers deliver similar savings for consumers?

Answer from Michael Shanks

We aim to transform the energy system so all communities benefit. Improving smart systems across the energy sector will give people more flexibility in their options. In the clean power action plan, we committed to doing much more for consumers to take advantage of opportunities such as savings through renewables usage.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific mechanisms for retailers to deliver similar savings

How: Part Of The Answer Is Improving How We Use Smart Systems Right Across The Energy System

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Q4 Joy Morrissey Con Beaconsfield
Climate Environment
Context

The MP questions whether local communities might have better insights than the government for large-scale solar farm plans on agricultural land.

Question

Community engagement and funding are important. With large-scale solar farms planned for agricultural land, does the Secretary of State think that there are any circumstances in which local communities might know better than him?

Answer from Michael Shanks

Communities can speak about plans for their area and contribute to consultations, but nationally important infrastructure will need to be built somewhere for a clean power future. We are clear that less than 1% of land in the country would be used for solar farms.

Not addressed: Specific recognition of local community knowledge

How: Communities Can Speak About Plans And Contribute To Consultations

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