Overview

The Sustainable Energy (Local Action) Bill aims to boost sustainable energy initiatives across England and Wales. It mandates that specified bodies create and publish sustainable energy plans, promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and carbon reduction, with significant public involvement. The bill also allows for the transfer of relevant functions between bodies to maximize effectiveness.

Description

This bill requires specified bodies (primarily principal councils and regional development agencies) to create and publish sustainable energy plans. These plans must detail actions to improve energy efficiency in buildings, utilize microgeneration and renewable energy, develop local biomass sources, and facilitate community-scale renewable energy generation. The plans must include carbon outcome targets and annual carbon budgets.

Public Involvement

The bill emphasizes public participation. Specified bodies must consult with the public, establish representative panels (including under-represented groups and parish councils), and consider public input when developing their plans.

Petition Threshold

If a petition signed by a specified percentage of electors in a specified body's area requests a plan, the body is legally obligated to create one. The Secretary of State will set the exact percentage for bodies other than principal councils and regional development agencies.

Resource Allocation and Function Transfer

The Secretary of State is responsible for providing resources to implement cost-effective energy measures. The bill allows for the transfer of functions between bodies, with the Secretary of State making the final decision after consultation, and ensuring necessary funding is transferred.

Government Spending

The bill mandates that the government will fund the Secretary of State’s actions under the bill, as well as any increased costs to other existing acts caused by this new legislation. No specific figures are provided within the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Principal Councils and Regional Development Agencies: Required to create and implement sustainable energy plans, potentially involving significant administrative and resource burdens.
• Local Residents: Given the opportunity to participate in shaping their local sustainable energy plans through consultations and representative panels.
• Businesses: May be affected by policies promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.
• Parishes and Community Councils: Encouraged to participate in the planning process and have their plans considered.
• Secretary of State: Responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Act, resource allocation, and function transfers.

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