Fears of 'cash grab' in community benefit windfarm proposals

THE Scottish Government has been urged not to disadvantage Scots communities blighted by wind farms after consulting on a new “cash grab”.

- By David Walker Scottish Political Reporter

Currently, wind farm developers are obligated to supply funding to locals impacted by turbines being built. This is known as a community benefit, and the money can be used by community groups to improve the area.

But SNP ministers have published a consultation which could see them grab this cash and utilise it for their own ends, provoking anger from campaigners and opposition rivals.

Strategic

The document asks how community benefits should be used and how the money can go towards projects that offer “lasting changes” to towns, cities and villages.

But it also floats the idea of taking control of the funding and putting it towards government policies.