Billions of pounds remain invested in fossil fuels through local government pension funds, even though three-quarters of councils have declared a climate emergency, a new report reveals.
Local authorities in England have been given new powers from tomorrow to hold meetings, including planning committees, by video or telephone conferencing.
Government proposals to relax the planning rules for shale gas sites are due to be discussed for the first time in the chamber of the House of Commons.
Three petitions with a total of 300,000+ signatures were handed in this morning to the government, opposing its plans to fast-track fracking decisions in England.
A survey out today has found that 80% of Conservative councillors in areas where fracking companies have a licence to explore for shale gas believe that planning applications should be required before drilling.
The Labour MP, Louise Haigh (left), has questioned the government about the basis of the written ministerial statement, issued earlier this month, on shale gas and fracking.
Cuadrilla’s plans to frack at Roseacre Wood are neither safe, sustainable nor supported, a parish councillor told politicians yesterday.
The former planning minister, Brandon Lewis, said tonight he believed decisions on shale gas should be made by local people, through their local authority.
Weekly update on parliamentary statements and questions on fracking and onshore oil and gas developments. This week: Government announces opening of bidding for extra money for local authorities dealing with shale oil and gas planning applications – statement Consultation opens on changes to planning laws for groundwater monitoring […]
Local authorities lack competence to deal with important issues in shale gas planning applications, according to a majority of respondents to a new survey.
