Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what steps he has taken to ensure that the views of local residents are represented in decisions relating to drilling for shale gas.

Companies developing shale will speak with local communities, residents and other stakeholders at each of the three stages of operations – exploration, appraisal and production. This is as well as consultation through the planning application.

The planning process takes into account local considerations, there are multiple opportunities for the public to be consulted and permission can attach conditions for operators.

Communities that host shale development should share in the benefits. A community benefits package means that £100,000 is paid to local communities on exploration and a minimum of 1% of revenues from production.