Fracking opponents rap UK gov’t incentives

The opponents of a controversial shale gas extraction method, commonly known as fracking, have condemned the UK government’s moves to convince local councils to support the practice.

Prime Minister David Cameron announced on Monday that local councils would be allowed to keep 100 percent of business rates from fracking on top of other local incentives already presented.

Following the announcement, environmental campaigners warned that local authorities could face serious conflicts of interest as they weigh extra tax revenues against approving fracking activities.

“Today’s announcement that local councils are to receive millions in business rates for shale gas developments that are permitted in their area undermines promises to ensure fracking operations do not damage our countryside and its wildlife. Rather than being rewarded for protecting the natural environment, councils are getting their bonuses for letting fracking take place,” said Harry Huyton, the energy policy director for the RSPB, a charity organization.

Barbara Keeley, the Labor MP for Worsley and Eccles South, told the Guardian that Cameron’s new initiative gives councils two contradictory roles. She also raised concerns about how the public could trust the local council to make the right decision regarding fracking.

“One is a protective role, to check companies have safeguards. On the other hand, you have a cash-strapped authority that’s lost £100m off its budget, like ours, that gets offered this cash incentive in business rates,” said Keeley.

In addition, Peter Cranie, the north-west Green Party European election candidate, said, “The government is now resorting to effectively bribing local residents in a desperate attempt to impose fracking on our communities. This money is being snatched from vital public services, already under huge pressure due to government cuts.”

Meanwhile, Sir Merrick Cockell, the chair of the Local Government Association, welcomed the government’s new incentives for councils to back fracking projects. However, Cockell said he would like the promised one percent of the revenues of fracking companies to local communities to be increased to 10 percent.

“We think if government is getting 62 to 63 percent of revenue then local communities should get their fair share of that,” said Cockell.