Scot Lib Dem conference backs plans to deliver community benefit from windfarms

The Scottish Liberal Democrat spring conference in Dundee has today backed plans that would see communities gain a higher share of Scotland’s vast renewable energy wealth by reforming the way in which community benefit is paid by windfarm developers.

The motion calls for the Scottish Government to implement new guidance to developers to state that 5% of the gross revenue of new windfarm developments should be paid to community benefit funds and increase the number of communities around new windfarm developments which receive shares of community benefit funds, to limit the wealth disparity amongst rural communities.  

It also calls for the UK Government to enshrine community benefit rights in law, to ensure that communities surrounding Scottish windfarms have a statutory right to benefit from local renewable energy development.

Angus MacDonald, candidate for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, who 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 windfarms.

“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.”