Issue - meetings

To consider the implications of a Government consultation on fast-tracking changes to the current solar photo voltaic (PV) feed-in tariff scheme.

(Report attached)

The Committee was provided with an update on an ongoing Government consultation on fast-tracking changes to the current solar photo voltaic (PV) feed-in tariff scheme. The main impact of such a change was that the payback time for the Council’s schemes would be doubled.

The Committee was generally disappointed that the feed-in tariff scheme was potentially to be changed to the detriment of the Council. The potential effects on the solar energy industry were also noted, although there was some recognition that such a change was not unexpected. It was also noted that, due to the prompt action of Officers in pushing through such schemes at an early stage, the Council would be less adversely affected than a considerable number of other authorities. Members were keen that the Council retain its commitment to the installation of solar panels.

RESOLVED that

1)         authority be delegated to the Climate Change Manager, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Health and Housing, to respond to the consultation based on the Committee’s comments; and,

taking into account the revised financial projections as detailed in Appendices 1- 3 to the report,

2)         the Council proceed in accordance with existing approvals for the installation of solar panels at the three main sites identified (Town Hall, Palace Theatre and Crematorium);

3)         the Council proceed in accordance with the existing approvals for social housing projects, although acknowledging that further delay may result in fewer sites being completed by 31st March 2012; and

4)         Officers be instructed to continue to prioritise installation of solar panels at the four main sheltered schemes.

(The report had been accepted as a matter of Urgent Business –not on the Forward Plan and not having met the publication deadline – and was considered at the meeting as such, with the approval of the Chair, in accordance with the Council’s constitutional rules and the powers vested in the Chair by virtue of Section 100 (B) (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972 to agree to matters of urgency being discussed by reason of special circumstances.

In this case the exceptional circumstances were the need to agree a response to the consultation because of the proposed reference date for changes of 12th December 2011 and the action to be taken by the Council if the proposals were to be implemented.)