by David Skentelbery
LIBERAL Democrats at Warrington are urging the Government to re-think its decision to cut feed-in traffics on solar panel installations.
Cllr Ian Marks (right), leader of the Lib Dem group on the borough council and his deputy, Cllr Bob Barr, have written to Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.
They say they accept the subsidy was not sustainable at its original high level, but ask for the reduction to done on a slower timescale to allow the industry to plan for it.
Cllr Marks said: "This decision by central government was too hasty and is having a direct impact on Warrington. Council officers have done an excellent job installing solar panels on 308 properties, slightly more than originally planned. These have been registered before the deadline but the rest of the 600 are on hold.
"Fuel poverty is an increasing problem. These installations and the other ones planned for the future would have had an important impact on keeping homes warm. "We hope the Government will have a re-think as a result of all the lobbying they are receiving from up and down the country. They may be forced to re-think because following a High Court hearing there is to be a Judicial Review next week to determine if the Government has acted illegally."
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Cllr Ian Marks (right), leader of the Lib Dem group on the borough council and his deputy, Cllr Bob Barr, have written to Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.They say they accept the subsidy was not sustainable at its original high level, but ask for the reduction to done on a slower timescale to allow the industry to plan for it.
Cllr Marks said: "This decision by central government was too hasty and is having a direct impact on Warrington. Council officers have done an excellent job installing solar panels on 308 properties, slightly more than originally planned. These have been registered before the deadline but the rest of the 600 are on hold.
"Fuel poverty is an increasing problem. These installations and the other ones planned for the future would have had an important impact on keeping homes warm. "We hope the Government will have a re-think as a result of all the lobbying they are receiving from up and down the country. They may be forced to re-think because following a High Court hearing there is to be a Judicial Review next week to determine if the Government has acted illegally."
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5 Responses to "Lib Dems want re-think on solar panels " 
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said this on 17 Dec 2011 9:12:46 AM BST
As councillors we had a very good work shop on sustainable communities during which we were given details of a large range of greener technologies available.
There was a physical model of showing where they could be applied and we were asked to identify potential sites throughout Warrington.
I have taken over the Climate Change Champion’s Baton from our mayor, Cllr Mike Biggin. I have been learning about WBCs climate change team and the projects that they are and have been managing. Mike has also passed to me his seat on the Mersey Forest steering group and the Gateway project whose aim is to improve the Upper Mersey Estuary. There is so much to do and going on in and around Warrington and projects like the Environmental Agency’s flood defence work at Victoria Park next year will have a big impact.
The Government’s impact on Warrington’s Climate Change plans by reducing the feed-in tariffs on solar panel installations was discussed at the workshop and it is really having a negative impact in several ways.
There is a great deal going on in Warrington from the big projects right down to the excellent work being done by the Waste Management Educational Office. I was given tour of their classroom which is based on the Gatewarth Recycling Centre; it is a fantastic centre and gives our children a chance to learn about such concepts from an early age. It also gives them a chance to see the work being done to expand the Moor Nature Reserve. This reserve is unrecognisable from 14 years ago when it was a desolate area with holes in the ground. It now contains small pool surrounded by hives and reeds, hiding within which is the elusive Bitten and other species.
Climate Change is and always has been changing for one reason or another and it is up to us all to learn how to adapt and change with it.
Maybe a climate change type workshop should be extended to include WBC’s partners, businesses and voluntary groups next year. I know that I can speak on behalf of the Warrington Nature Conservation Forum to say that our members would welcome such a platform for discussion and action.
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said this on 17 Dec 2011 12:21:56 PM BST
Lovely ideas, but who is paying and where does the money come from? It is all well and good to have grandiose ideas, but there are more pressing matters that need dealing with. Get the priorities right and then if there is any cash left over, give it to the green people.
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said this on 17 Dec 2011 10:04:08 AM BST
Cameron and Clegg promised "The Greenest Government ever". Just like every other promise, it has proven to be empty and worthless. Marks is playing the role of apologist - yet again - for the weakness of this party and their foolish decision to join a coalition with the Tories
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said this on 17 Dec 2011 11:44:39 AM BST
Did you give a moments thought about that before writing? Prommising that we can give money away for the next 25 years in an uncertain world is crazy irrespective of the political party thought it up. It effectivly took my money and gave it to only those that could afford to jump on the money for nothing bandwagon and that's not right.
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said this on 19 Dec 2011 10:33:06 PM BST
Did you give a moments thought before posting that ridiculous reply? Do you think that Cameron and Clegg gave a moments thought before coming up with such a hollow and ridiculous promise? My guess is no - but hey, it was a neat little sound bite for 5 minutes and - just like all the rest - is found wanting in all of the detail and commitment! Ian Marks is a mere puppet now - trotting out party lines and defending the indefensible!
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