Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of (a) reinstating and (b) expanding (i) local grant funding schemes previously funded through EU initiatives and (ii) other local grant funding schemes to support (A) energy efficiency and (B) renewable energy projects.

The Government recognises the importance of local initiatives in driving net zero action and provides initiatives, including funding, to help achieve this.

On energy efficiency, Government will partner with local and combined authorities to roll out the Warm Homes Plan. Government is also using devolution deals with Greater Manchester and West Midlands Combined Authorities to pilot new approaches to funding retrofit from 2025.

In addition, Government funds five Local Net Zero Hubs which support local authorities to develop net zero projects, including those relating to energy efficiency and renewable energy, and to attract commercial investment.

Great British Energy’s Local Power Plan will also provide commercial, technical and project-planning assistance, increasing capacity and capability to build a pipeline of successful projects in local areas.