DECC has not allocated additional funding for the implementation of findings of the renewable and low carbon energy capacity assessment studies "beyond the existing support framework for renewables deployment," energy minister Charles Hendry said in a written answer.

He insisted that local planning authorities are "expected to have local plans in place which promote renewable energy and have regard to national policy. These plans should be founded on a robust evidence base." However, DECC intends the capacity assessment studies to be a tool to help local planning authorities and local communities in drawing up local and neighbourhood plans. He said future local authorities will need to have regard to the National Planning Policy Framework, which will make it clear that planning has a big part to play in tackling climate change.

The Department for Communities and Local Government "has invited organisations and individuals to offer suggestions on what priorities and policies might be adopted in the framework, and will consult on a draft in 2011," he said.

Hansard, 17 Jan: Column 476W