Local authority involvement in community benefits discussions (and delivery) varies widely from area to area. They may have clear guidelines on what they would like to see from renewable energy businesses, or they may wish to have no involvement in the process. In some areas the local authority may administer and / or hold the funding (where this is part of the available package). Stakeholders should be aware that where funds are administered by a local authority, any awards made to community groups may be assessed as state aid and must comply with State Aid regulations.
The renewable energy business and the community(ies) should discuss the relevant local authority approach, where there is one, and arrive at a mutual agreement on whether this is the most suitable pathway to follow. These guidelines cannot be enforced through the planning system and must remain as optional guidance.
