Solar issue to be challenged by UK government

The recent decision by the High courts that the government cuts to solar power feed in tariffs are illegal, are to be challenged by the government in an appeal confirmed by the Energy Minister Greg Barker. The Friends of the Earth believe that an appeal would be a waste of the tax-payers money and is urging the ministers to focus on helping the solar industry to get back on a stable footing.

The High Court also said that the government had no realistic prospect of winning an appeal. Friends of the Earth's Head of Campaigns Andrew Pendleton said: "Trying to appeal the High Court's ruling is an expensive waste of taxpayers' money. The government must expand the scheme with all the tax revenue the scheme generates, this can be done at no extra cost to bill payers". Read more ...

Legal challenge to stop cuts in feed in tariffs

Two solar companies and Friends of the Earth are presenting their case today at the High court seeking permission to challenge the government plans to cut the feed in tariff subsidies. The court had previously ruled that this challenge could not take place, according to Friends of the Earth. But now Friends of the Earth has been given the go ahead to seek the courts permission to reverse that decision.

The Government recently launched a consultation into feed-in tariffs. In it, it proposed halving payments from December 12 - two weeks before the consultation ends. "We strongly believe Government plans to abruptly slash solar subsidies are illegal. We hope the High Court agrees to allow our case to be heard as soon as possible." said Andy Atkins, Director, Friends of the Earth. Read more ...