Ed Miliband should launch public inquiry into web zero power plans | Politics | News | EUROtoday

Ministers ought to launch a nationwide public inquiry into the Government’s power technique which dangers turning into “heavy-handed and undemocratic”, campaigners have mentioned. Nearly 20 rural grassroots teams have penned a letter to Ed Miliband warning him communities are “crying out” to be listened to as a substitute of being dismissed as “blockers”.

They additionally take goal at Government proposals for individuals dwelling close to energy cables to obtain £250 a yr off their power payments. The letter mentioned: “We welcome the Government’s recognition of the detrimental impacts of present transmission infrastructure plans on rural communities. However, reductions off electrical energy payments are usually not the reply – they don’t adequately handle the considerations of native communities, nor would they facilitate sooner supply of power infrastructure.

“It became evident through the consultation process that bill discounts are unpopular with impacted communities. These communities are facing the prospect of their landscapes, businesses, farms, wildlife and heritage being irrevocably damaged. The economic harm is already being felt, with people unable to sell (or buy) homes. In these circumstances, offering a discount on electricity bills is seen as wholly inadequate – and missing the point.”

The groups called for financial compensation, “genuine” engagement with communities, use the most up-to-date onshore and offshore grid upgrade approaches and launch a national inquiry.

It comes days after Sir Keir Starmer’s flagship Planning and Infrastructure Bill was introduced in Parliament and aims to speed up building.

The letter continued: “In order to demonstrate need, a National Public Enquiry must be established to determine the best and most efficient energy strategy for the whole UK. Decisions taken by particular political parties at Westminster, Holyrood and Cardiff are prone to confirmation bias and risk becoming heavy-handed and undemocratic.

“Working together would result in quicker delivery of the great grid upgrade which is essential for achieving net zero by 2035.”

Under the government’s plans, households in Great Britain within 500m of new or upgraded pylons will get discounts of up to £2,500 over 10 years, equivalent to £250 a year.

Mr Miliband said the costs of the scheme were “greater than offset” by the benefits of the new infrastructure.

He added that the idea was not about buying people off but “recognising the service” they were doing for the whole country.

A government-commissioned report found hundreds of miles of new pylons will be needed to meet its clean energy targets.

Ministers will publish new guidance on how developers should provide benefits to communities hosting transmission infrastructure, by funding projects like sports clubs, educational programmes or leisure facilities.

The government said this would mean communities could get £200,000 worth of funding per km of overhead electricity cable in their area, and £530,000 per substation.

Ministers have put the changes in the Bill at the heart of its push for economic growth.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has said local people would still be “a part of the method” but it would be “streamlined” so development was not “frequently blocked for years and years”.