Written questions by Miller.

With reference to the Written Statement HCWS1471 of 26 March 2026 on Energy Infrastructure Planning – Botley West Solar Farm, if he will publish the Planning Inspectorate Examining Authority’s report and recommendation in relation to that application.

In line with normal procedure under the 2008 Planning Act, the Planning Inspectorate Examining Authority’s report and recommendation of the proposed Botley West Solar Farm will be published after the conclusion of the decision-making phase of the development consent process. Once the decision has been taken, the report and its recommendation will then be published alongside the Secretary of State’s decision documentation on the Planning Inspectorate website.

With reference to the Written Statement HCWS1471 of 26 March 2026 on Energy Infrastructure Planning – Botley West Solar Farm, what in his assessment of the Planning Inspectorate Examining Authority’s recommendation led him to seek further information from the applicant.

Under Section 53 of the Planning Act 2008, the Secretary of State may require further information from an applicant where this is considered necessary to inform the planning decision. Given the Secretary of State’s quasi-judicial role in taking decisions on applications for development consent for energy infrastructure proposals, it would not be appropriate for a Minister in this department to comment on specific matters related to the proposals, as this could be seen as prejudicing the decision-making process. All requests for further information, and responses to those requests, will be published on the Planning Inspectorate website for this case in the usual way.

If he will ensure that the requirements of rural households are addressed in policies aimed at tackling potential increases in energy prices.

The Government recognises that families and businesses across the country will see the recent global events and once again be concerned about the impact on their energy bills. We continue to monitor the situation closely and we are looking at what further support may be needed. The measures taken in the Autumn Budget reduce the cost of electricity and therefore benefit all households with a domestic electricity meter, including those not on the gas grid. In addition, on 30 January, we announced the continuation of the Warm Home Discount scheme until 2030/31, providing around 6 million eligible households with the £150 rebate on their energy bills each winter. The Government understands that many households, particularly in rural and off gas grid areas, rely on heating oil as their primary source of heat. DESNZ is working closely with other Government Departments on the National Data Library (NDL) energy bill support ‘Kickstarter’ project to test how public sector data can be better joined up to improve access to Government programmes. The Kickstarter project will pave the way for better targeted help, ensuring those who are struggling to pay their bills get the support they need.

What assessment the Government has made of the differential impact of increases in energy prices on households in (a) rural and (b) urban areas.

The Government recognises that families and businesses across the country will see the recent global events and once again be concerned about the impact on their energy bills. We continue to monitor the situation closely and we are looking at what further support may be needed. The measures taken in the Autumn Budget reduce the cost of electricity and therefore benefit all households with a domestic electricity meter, including those not on the gas grid. In addition, on 30 January, we announced the continuation of the Warm Home Discount scheme until 2030/31, providing around 6 million eligible households with the £150 rebate on their energy bills each winter. The Government understands that many households, particularly in rural and off gas grid areas, rely on heating oil as their primary source of heat. DESNZ is working closely with other Government Departments on the National Data Library (NDL) energy bill support ‘Kickstarter’ project to test how public sector data can be better joined up to improve access to Government programmes. The Kickstarter project will pave the way for better targeted help, ensuring those who are struggling to pay their bills get the support they need.

What assessment he has made of the financial viability of SolarFive Ltd and Photovolt Development Partners to undertake the development of Botley West Solar Farm.

An applicant seeking development consent for an energy-related nationally significant infrastructure project must submit a Funding Statement as part of the application process. Given the Secretary of State’s quasi-judicial role in taking decisions on applications for development consent for energy infrastructure proposals, it would not be appropriate to comment on specific matters related to the individual projects, as this could be seen as prejudicing the decision-making process.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of Planning Inspectorate and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project processes in evaluating the financial viability of funding commitments made by developers of major energy projects.

An applicant seeking development consent for an energy-related nationally significant infrastructure project must submit a Funding Statement as part of the application process. This is assessed by both the Planning Inspectorate and the Secretary of State prior to a decision on whether to consent the project being made.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of (a) the Planning Inspectorate and (b) Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project processes to safeguard against national security risks from investment by (i) inappropriate or (ii) hostile overseas sources.

National security risk assessments are matters for the Investment Security Unit within the Cabinet Office.

Whether his Department has sought the advice of the office of the Financial Sanction Implementation on reported Russian-linked funding associated with the proposed Botley West Solar Farm.

Given the Secretary of State’s quasi-judicial role in taking decisions on applications for development consent for energy infrastructure proposals, it would not be appropriate to comment on matters relating to specific proposals

Pursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2025 to Question 39293, when he plans to publish guidance relating to communities and onshore wind; when Solar Energy UK plans to publish its guidance; and whether the guidance will be binding.

We will publish updated community benefits guidance for onshore wind in England in spring 2025, to clearly set out our expectations on what effective community benefits for communities that host new onshore wind projects should look like. Solar Energy UK plans to publish its community benefits guidance for solar PV later this year. It will apply on a voluntary basis and provide a benchmark for the solar energy sector.

With reference to the press release entitled Households near new pylons to save hundreds on energy bills, published on 10 March 2025, if he will take steps to provide similar funding to communities affected by renewables schemes.

We have announced bill discounts for new transmission infrastructure projects because many communities will live close to this infrastructure without enjoying the direct, tangible benefits coming from other technologies, such as local jobs and investment. However, in the Clean Power Action Plan, we made clear that where communities host clean energy infrastructure, we will ensure they benefit from it. There are many options in this area including community funds and shared ownership, which we are exploring. In the interim, we intend to publish guidance for onshore wind in England and Solar Energy UK has also committed to publishing guidance.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of US policies in relation to renewable energy between 20 January 2017 and 20 January 2021 on the UK's renewable energy commitments.

BEIS has, and DESNZ continues to, assess the implications of international policy on the UK. The Department works on the basis of its legislative commitment to combating climate change and meeting the UK's Carbon Budgets

What discussions he has had with his European counterparts on international climate commitments since 5 November 2024.

This Government believes that we can only ensure climate security for further generations in the UK if we lead globally. Secretary of State has had a range of engagements with European counterparts on international climate commitments, including at COP29.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the proposed community financial benefit from the Botley West Solar Scheme; and if he will introduce a mandatory minimum level of community benefit from new renewable schemes.

There is currently no legal obligation for developers in the UK to provide community benefits However, in the Clean Power Action Plan, we have made clear that in the future where communities host clean energy infrastructure, we will ensure they benefit from it. There are many options in this area including community funds and direct support for households, and we are exploring all options to ensure communities can benefit from our clean power mission. We hope to have more to say on this in due course.