Asked by: Mark Sewards (Labour - Leeds South West and Morley)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of planning restrictions in conservation areas on the installation of domestic heat pumps.
Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
While responsibility for planning policy primarily sits with the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) the two departments work closely on these issues and recognise the importance of ensuring that planning requirements do not create unnecessary barriers to the deployment of low-carbon heating.
In May 2025, the Government amended permitted development rights for air source heat pumps in England to enable more households to install one without planning permission and most households can now do so.
For properties in conservation areas, the cross-government review of the barriers to retrofitting these buildings was published in January 2024 and sets out the core challenges faced by homeowners and the actions Government is taking.
Both the National Planning Policy Framework and Historic England’s guidance state the need to support energy efficiency and decarbonisation within buildings, as far as reasonably practicable without prejudicing the character of the host building or risking the long-term deterioration of the fabric or fittings. Local authorities are expected to take these into account when deciding on individual planning applications.
Asked by: Mark Sewards (Labour - Leeds South West and Morley)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what oversight mechanisms apply to research or testing in the UK relating to (a) solar radiation management and (b) atmospheric aerosol deployment.
Answered by Katie White - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government is not deploying Solar Radiation Modification (SRM), including stratospheric aerosol injection, and has no plans to deploy these technologies given the significant uncertainties surrounding their potential climate and environmental impacts.
The Department works closely with the UK research community to ensure research that advances scientific understanding of the risks and impacts associated with SRM is conducted responsibly and complies with all domestic and international regulations.
Asked by: Mark Sewards (Labour - Leeds South West and Morley)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to address regulatory gaps where rooftop solar installation companies and asset owners (a) cease trading and (b) withdraw support.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
We are overhauling the system of standards and protections for energy efficiency and solar and battery installations. Measures announced in the Warm Homes Plan will ensure that consumers can have confidence in measures they take to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and businesses and seek clear routes to redress where necessary.
Asked by: Mark Sewards (Labour - Leeds South West and Morley)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what guidance his Department has issued on (a) access and (b) ownership of (i) performance and (ii) operational data from rooftop solar systems.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
No guidance has been issued, and we are not aware that any such data exists on a national scale.
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme holds data on every MCS certified installation since 2010 in the MCS Installations Database.
However, it does not include operational data of every system, and access is limited in line with GDPR best practice.
Asked by: Mark Sewards (Labour - Leeds South West and Morley)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department is taking steps to ensure that there are adequate electric vehicle charging points for properties that do not have a driveway.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government and industry have supported the installation of over 74,000 public charging devices across the UK. The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund will transform the availability of electric vehicle (EV) charging for drivers without off-street parking. Through the Fund, an additional 100,000 local chargers are planned to be installed.
For drivers who do not have a driveway, but do have access to on-street parking, Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grants are also available. These offer up to £350 towards the purchase and installation of a chargepoint. To support local authorities, the Government has published guidance on installing cross-pavement solutions for residents without off-street parking.
Asked by: Mark Sewards (Labour - Leeds South West and Morley)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to regulate emissions produced by organisations.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)
The UK Emissions Trading Scheme is an essential regime to cut emissions and drive green investment. By setting a limit - the cap - on emissions and creating a carbon price for power, industry and aviation, the scheme incentivises investment in clean technologies that will power and supply the economy of the future. The UK ETS Authority is currently evaluating responses to recent consultations on expanding the scheme. Further energy audit and reporting policies, including the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme and Streamlining Energy and Carbon Reporting, require disclosure of specified energy and emissions information by large or listed UK businesses.