Written questions by McMurdock.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed Norwich to Tilbury National Grid pylon project on house prices in the affected areas.

The Government does not assess the impact of new transmission network infrastructure on house prices. However, landowners, businesses, and homeowners that have electrical equipment, such as pylons or towers, sited on their land have the right to compensation for the value of their land, as well as for any losses or expenses incurred. Acquiring authorities can also put in place discretionary schemes offering additional compensation.

What discussions he has had with the National Grid on their proposed Norwich to Tilbury pylon project.

Details of Ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK. Published declarations include the purpose of the meeting and the names of any additional external organisations or individuals in attendance.

What steps he has taken to ensure that local communities were engaged in the public consultation period of the proposed National Grid Norwich-Tilbury pylon project.

In England and Wales, the Planning Act 2008 requires developers to demonstrate that they have consulted adequately with communities before they submit applications for consent. As part of their application for the Norwich to Tilbury project National Grid are required to engage with local communities and to ensure their feedback is considered and incorporated into the project. The Government does not make assessments for specific projects until they come to the Secretary of State for a final planning decision.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of Great British Energy on the cost of energy bills paid by farmers.

I refer the hon Member to the answer I gave him to Question UIN 22545.

What trading schemes are (a) operational and (b) planned under the terms of Part 3 of the Climate Change Act 2008.

The operational trading schemes under Part 3 of the Climate Change Act 2008 (CCA) are the UK Emissions Trading Scheme, launched in 2021, and the Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes, launched in 2024. A review of the UK ETS was published in December 2023. A consultation on the Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes was published in December 2024. The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (formerly the Carbon Reduction Commitment) was previously established under Part 3 of the CCA, but there have been no CRC surrender obligations since October 2019 and all legal requirements for the scheme regulator end on 31 March 2025.

What estimate he has made of the cost to (a) consumers and (b) the public purse of the Sustainable Industry Reward scheme in each of the next five years.

The Clean Industry Bonus (CIB) has superseded Sustainable Industry Rewards. Like the rest of the Contracts for Difference scheme, it will be funded by the existing levy on consumer bills. It will drive much needed investment in supply chains, including into new factories. For the first round of CIBs (starting in 2025), aggregate consumer bill impact is estimated to be in the region of c.£1-2 per year for two years, giving rise to a total bill impact of around £2-4 for the round. Impact for future rounds will depend on the timing and scale of those rounds which has yet to be decided.

Whether the position of Head of Mission Control, Net Zero is a full-time role.

The Head of Mission Control is a full-time role.

If he will make an estimate of the potential impact of GB Energy on the cost of energy bills paid by farmers.

Great British Energy is a key part of the government's mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower by achieving clean power by 2030. This is part of a sustainable, long-term plan to protect all UK billpayers, including farmers, from volatile international gas markets. In an unstable world, the only way to guarantee our energy security and protect billpayers permanently is to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and towards homegrown clean energy.

What recent discussions his Department has had with National Grid about the estimated cost of the Norwich-to-Tilbury pylon project.

Details of Ministers’ and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK. Published declarations include the purpose of the meeting and the names of any additional external organisa...

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of large electricity pylons on (a) green spaces and (b) ancient woodlands.

Developers of electricity transmission projects and all nationally significant infrastructure projects in England and Wales must assess the impacts of their proposals. This includes conducting assessments of projects’ impacts on the environment and habita...

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of electricity pylons on wildlife.

Developers of electricity transmission projects and all nationally significant infrastructure projects in England and Wales must assess the impacts of their proposals. This includes conducting assessments of projects’ impacts on the environment and habita...

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of large electricity pylons on housing prices.

The Government does not assess the impact of new transmission network infrastructure on house prices. Landowners, businesses and homeowners that have electrical equipment, such as pylons or towers, sited on their land have the right to compensation for th...

If he will meet the hon. Member for South Basildon and East Thurrock to discuss pylons.

The design and development of electricity transmission infrastructure is the responsibility of developers. Government sets the rules for a robust and independent planning process that communities can participate in. Given the Secretary of State’s role in ...

What steps he is taking to support disabled households with the cost of energy.

The Government believes that the only way to permanently protect billpayers, including disabled households, is to speed up the transition towards homegrown clean energy and reduce our reliance on volatile international fossil fuel markets. Whilst we make ...