Martin Caton

Energy Efficiency, Low Carbon Energy and The Planning System

Last year, Martin came seventh in the ballot for Private Members Bills and introduced a Bill that would have freed local authorities to use the planning system to set higher standards for energy efficiency and encourage use of low carbon energy sources as one means of combating climate change.

Although he secured the support of more than 300 Members, insufficient parliamentary time meant that the Bill did not get into committee but Martin continued to make the case for using the planning system to meet the challenge of global warming.

Ministers took on board much of the case that he made and the results can be seen in the new Planning Policy Statement on Climate Change. However, Martin still believes that there is a need for primary legislation to achieve his objectives.  He was delighted, therefore, when the MP who came top in this year’s Private Members ballot adopted Martin’s Bill. 

Conservative MP Michael Fallon asked Martin to co-sponsor his Planning and Energy Bill. Martin spoke in support of the Bill in the Second Reading debate and the putative legislation is, now, in committee.

Martin said, “I am very pleased that Michael took up this important cause and impressed with the cross-party way that the House of Commons has moved things forward.

“I look forward to the Bill coming out of committee, securing a Third Reading and getting on to the statute book.”