LibDem Ross, Skye and Lochaber candidate Angus MacDonald seeks more renewables profits for local areas
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The Scottish Liberal Democrat spring conference in Dundee has backed a proposal from Ross, Skye and Lochaber candidate Angus MacDonald that would see communities given a higher share of renewable energy profits.
The motion calls for the Scottish Government to implement new guidance to developers so that five per cent of the gross revenue of new wind farm developments is paid to community benefit funds. It also calls for reform of the way in which benefits are paid so that more communities around new wind farms share the cash, limiting wealth disparity among rural communities.
And it calls on the UK government to enshrine community benefit rights in law, to ensure that communities surrounding Scottish wind farms have a statutory right to benefit from local renewable energy development.
Angus MacDonald, who is currently a Highland councillor and proposed the motion said: “At the moment any contribution from developers to the community is entirely voluntary.
“Rural communities have missed out on a fortune.
“Over the past decade, the wholesale price of electricity has soared but benefits for the communities have not, with little of that windfall actually trickling down to those who have the downside of living near wind farms.
“What a difference it would make to our communities in the Borders or Highlands if they had their own equivalent of the Norwegian Petroleum Fund.
“With this money community leaders could give locals substantial financial help with fuel bills, they could build affordable homes, they could fund things like their local swimming pools, playgrounds and community halls.
“By backing this motion, Scottish Liberal Democrats have demonstrated that we will fight for our most rural and vulnerable communities, ensuring that they benefit from the developments on their doorstep.”
