Rutland MP challenges Energy Minister over Mallard Pass

Thursday, 5 October 2023 16:08

Rutland's MP has asked the Energy Minister in Parliament to level up compensation for communities affected by solar, in the same way onshore wind schemes have to give those affected yearly payouts. The Secretary of State is still to make a decision on whether to allow Mallard Pass on the Rutland Lincolnshire border.

Rutland's MP Alicia Kearns says the current situation as far as solar compensation is concerned just isn't fair. She asked:
"A decade ago, the onshore wind industry committed to a community benefit protocol to provide £5,000 per megawatt installed per annum compensation to communities the duration of a wind scheme. So far, solar developers have refused to do something similar. This surely isn't fair. Compensation schemes must be equal, whether it be wind or solar. Does my right honourable friend agree?”

The Energy Minister replied:
“ Well, Mr Speaker, it's perhaps typical of my honourable friend that she's not only asking a question here today, championing this issue, but has scheduled a meeting with me immediately afterwards and I look forward to discussing this with her and making sure that we have the most coherent position possible. So whether we're set on rewarding communities which host transmission infrastructure and other parts of our transition. And I look forward to having that conversation with her."