Mark Whitehead 19 June 2015

Tories cut onshore wind farm subsidies a year early

Subsidies for new onshore wind farms will end a year early, the Government has announced - with communities deciding whether any new turbine projects can go ahead.

Energy firms had been expecting an end to subsidies in 2017 but they will now be excluded from the scheme from April next year.

The funding for the subsidy comes from the Renewables Obligation, which is funded by levies added to household fuel bills.

Energy and climate change secretary Amber Rudd said: 'We have a long term plan to keep the lights on and our homes warm, power the economy with cleaner energy, and keep bills as low as possible for hard-working families.

'As part of our plan, we are committed to cutting our carbon emissions by fostering enterprise, competition, opportunity and growth. We want to help technologies stand on their own two feet, not encourage a reliance on public subsidies.'

However trade union Unite branded the decision ‘misguided’, warning wind was an ‘an invaluable component of a balanced energy policy’.

The news came as communities secretary Greg Clark announced local residents must have the final say over whether onshore wind farm applications get the go-ahead in their area.

He said that while onshore wind now makes a meaningful contribution to the energy mix, they are often imposed upon communities without consultation or public support.

New planning rules will mean wind turbines should only get the go-ahead if they have been clearly backed by local people in a local or neighbourhood plan.

Clark said: 'Our One Nation approach is about backing people on the issues that really matter to them and we are today delivering on our manifesto commitment to give local people the final say over onshore wind farm applications.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Activites Assistants (CASUAL)

Durham County Council
£24,404 (12.65 p.a. hour) - £25,183 (£13.05 p.a. hour)
This is an exciting opportunity for Casual Activities Assistants to join our Leisure and Sport Service.   Leisure Centres are
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Pension Administration Officer

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 p.a. (Grade 3) Pay award pending
A vacancy has arisen within Pension Services for an Administration Officer to provide admin and data support to the pensions team and members of the L Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

County Attendance Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £39513
We are seeking to recruit to the role of County Attendance Officer on a permanent basis to work predominately across the North or the South of the county. The team works across the whole of Oxfordshire so flexibility to work in other areas is also require County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Software Engineer Starter

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914
We're looking for an exceptional human to join our digital team to learn the skills and put them into practice, designing, developing and maintaining websites, mobile apps & AI. You'll join us on our journey as we create better end-to-end services for our Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Executive Director - Growth, Enterprise and Environment

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
£139,111.00 (pay award pending)
This is a chance to make a significant difference to the lives of families across our borough – and to seriously improve your quality of life. Redcar and Cleveland House, Kirkleatham Street, Redcar, TS10 1RT
Recuriter: Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
Linkedin Banner