Solar PV, Social Housing and the FIT Scheme - the Clock is Ticking
Tuesday, May 31st, 2011
Jackie Gray, Director, Dickinson Dees LLP:
In 2010, the previous government launched the Feed in Tariff (FIT) Scheme to incentivise small scale generation of electricity in the UK from renewable sources. The Scheme involves making payments to generators of electricity for each unit of electricity generated, with different tariffs for different technologies. The technologies include solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines, combined heat and power systems, hydro power and anaerobic digestion. The tariffs vary depending on the technology, the size of the installation and in the case of solar PV, whether the solar PV is retro-fitted (to buildings already occupied) or installed as part of a new build (before first occupation). There is also a tariff for electricity that is exported to the national grid.
For local authorities and registered social housing providers (Registered Providers) the installation of Solar PV on social housing offers an attractive opportunity to generate income and reduce energy bills for tenants.
Following the Education Bill’s passage into the House of Lords and its first reading on 12 May 2011, now seems to be as good a time as any to consider what role local authorities will play in the provision of education if the Bill’s proposals are implemented in their current form. 
David Gollancz, barrister, 11KBW:
The clock ticks over to 6.00 am and Sonny and Cher break out into yet another rendition of “I Got You Babe”. A weary hand reaches out and knocks the alarm clock from the bedside table, breaking it. No, it is not Bill Murray fearing yet another visit to see a large rodent forecast the weather, this particular Groundhog Day belongs to whoever is responsible at the National Audit Office (NAO) for reporting on the use of 