A pamphlet published by the New Local Government Network has called for local planning laws to be relaxed to allow more people the option of installing eco-friendly energy sources into their homes.

Entitled Finding the energy, the pamphlet says that councillors should be able to consult with residents on whether to reduce the amount of permission required to install a micro-generation system. It also suggests the Government’s promised Planning Bill should reflect this new level of public involvement, with councils being able to offer interest-free loans to cover the cost of installing micro-generation schemes and giving tax rebates to homes with an eco-friendly energy supply.

The network says the Government could also give local authorities incentives to promote micro-generation through a cost-neutral performance grant that would reward those who made improvements most quickly. This could form a part of a cost-neutral local government grants regime.

James Macgregor, author of the report, said: ‘Local authorities should be required to demonstrate that micro-generation plans were in the public interest. ‘This would require neighbourhood level consultation and debate, giving citizens a powerful voice.’

Download Finding the energy here.

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