Asked by: James Cleverly (Conservative - Braintree)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has received feedback from local authorities administering the Warm Homes Grant on the difficulties of accessing park home sites for the purpose of retrofitting those properties; and if officials have held discussions with representatives of park home sites on retrofitting park homes with the Warm Homes Grant.
Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Park homes are eligible for support under the Warm Home: Local Grant (WH:LG). Officials would welcome working closely with local authorities and their supply chains, who deliver the scheme, to unlock any issues and ensure support reaches eligible households. Local authorities in receipt of the Warm Homes: Local Grant are encouraged to contact the department for advice or problem-solving, either through their assigned Delivery Support Manager (DSM) or directly with the department. We remain committed to working collaboratively to ensure park home residents benefit fully from the scheme.
Asked by: James Cleverly (Conservative - Braintree)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his policy is on local (a) consent and (b) support for radioactive storage facilities.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The UK Government’s policy states that nuclear operators’ proposed programmes and plans for the management and disposal of radioactive waste should be developed by including wide stakeholder engagement. This should include local authorities and communities which may be impacted by the plans, including any host community in the vicinity of a waste treatment, storage or disposal facility.
In addition, the UK Government’s policy to deliver a geological disposal facility (GDF) for our most hazardous radioactive waste requires the explicit consent of the potential host community through a Test of Public Support.
Asked by: James Cleverly (Conservative - Braintree)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, for what reason air to air reversible heat pumps do not qualify for the (a) Clean Heat Market Mechanism and (b) Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Clean Heat Market Mechanism is focused on developing the market and supply chain for upgrading homes with hydronic heat pumps – a core technology for the UK’s transition to cleaner heating since around 90% of UK homes have water-based central heating systems. The Government will keep the scope of the scheme under regular review.
The Government has published a response to the consultation on proposed Boiler Upgrade Scheme changes, confirming grants of £2,500 for air-to-air heat pumps in domestic properties, starting in 2026. This will increase consumer choice and support the UK’s transition towards low carbon heating systems.
Asked by: James Cleverly (Conservative - Braintree)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what representations he has received on increasing permitted development rights for onshore wind turbines to 30 metres.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
In the recent Onshore Wind Taskforce Strategy, the government committed to publishing a consultation on whether the existing permitted development rights are fit for purpose and if they could support other forms of small-scale onshore wind deployment. The Department is currently conducting stakeholder engagement to prepare for this consultation. As part of this, some stakeholders have expressed interest raising the height limit for a permitted development onshore wind turbine to 30 metres, alongside other suggestions, conditions and limits. The Government will consider all options carefully ahead of consultation.