Introducing the 'Sunshine Bill' to Parliament
Lib Dem MP Max Williamson has introduced a ‘Sunshine Bill’ to parliament. This calls for solar installation to be mandatory on all newly-built housing (wherever practical). In other words, the bill forces Developers to justify why solar power is not designed in!
Solar power built into a new home typically pays back in under 10 years but lasts for more than 25 years.
Once installed, solar power means:
Lower fuel bills for owners
Better energy security for the UK
Practical action towards Net Zero
That's a great long term investment and classic joined-up, long term, Lib Dem thinking.
Lib Dem-led Portsmouth Council already has a great record of solar investment.
Council-run buildings from the port to schools and social housing are fitted with solar panels, saving money and showing the way forward.
Sadly, back in Westminster, Labour's Minister of State for Housing and Planning did not support Max's ‘Sunshine bill’.
Labour chose to side with developers (again!).
However, the bill will be back in parliament on 11 July 2025.
Let's hope this time they let the sunshine in!