Research Briefing
The Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) is a three-year obligation on major energy suppliers and generators to offer free or low cost energy efficiency measures to communities in certain low income areas. It ran from 1 September 2009 to December 2012.
Research Briefing
The energy regulator Ofgem has finalised its proposals for simplifying energy tariffs, while retaining competition in the GB energy supply market. The Government is also taking 'backstop' powers in the current Energy Bill on tariffs.
Research Briefing
Political agreement was reached on the major elements of the reform of the Common Agriculural Policy for 2014-2020 on 26 June 2013. This note sets out the main elements of the agreement with stakeholder comment. Some issues are still being discussed at European level following overall EU budget agreements and the flexibility of the reform deal means that key implmenentation decisions are to follow in the UK.
Research Briefing
The Carbon Emission Reduction Target (CERT) placed a five year obligation on gas and electricity suppliers to reduce carbon emissions in the household sector through energy efficiency improvements. It ran from April 2008 - December 2012.
Research Briefing
Thorium is an element which, with the right technology, can be used as a fuel for nuclear power. It is claimed to have a range of advantages over uranium including greater abundance, lower radiotoxicity waste, safer operation and weapons proliferation resistance – although some of these are disputed.
Research Briefing
The current Energy Bill now has its Report Stage scheduled, for 3 June 2013. This note provides an update to some of the more controversial areas, and to previous Library research briefings on the Bill.
Research Briefing
Members of the public often contact their water company or MP complaining that their water bill is much higher than their neighbour’s because of differences to the rateable value of the properties. However, rateable values cannot be changed. Opting for a water meter might be the best option for households seeking to reduce their water bill.
Research Briefing
This note provides information on water bills in the south-west, which are significantly higher than in other parts of England. It describes the Government’s solution to the problem: a payment allowing a £50 reduction of South West Water customer bills from April 2013.
Research Briefing
The Government plans to introduce a Water Bill in this parliamentary session. It will probably focus on increasing competition in the water sector, and it will also aim to deliver other objectives including the provision of flood insurance, the better management of water supplies and more sustainable water abstraction.
Research Briefing
The use of non-geographic telephone numbers, such as those beginning 0845, has been controversial – particularly in the context of the delivery of public services by bodies such as HM Revenue and Customs.
Research Briefing
This note sets out the regulation of the off-gas grid energy market, and possible sources of support for those who live off the gas grid and have to rely on other fuels such as heating oil or LPG to heat their homes.
Research Briefing
This paper complements Library Research Paper 12/79 on the Energy Bill 2012-13. It covers the Bill’s Second Reading and Committee Stages. The Bill seeks to implement electricity market reform and introduces ‘contracts for difference’ to support all forms of low carbon generation, including nuclear. Government amendments made during Committee Stage related to cheaper energy tariffs and setting a decarbonisation target.
Research Briefing
Waste collection can be a contentious issue, particularly when local authorities decide to move away from weekly bin collection to alternate weekly collection (AWC). This note describes the reasons why authorities have chosen to do this, and related issues including the recently announced Weekly Collections Support Scheme.
Research Briefing
This note covers the controls in place to ensure any horse meat entering the food chain is fit for human consumption, including details of horse passports
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