The government consulted on proposed changes to the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme in December 2017, and has published its response.

We’re now seeking further views on how decisions on matters covered in that consultation will be implemented into the CfD scheme. We invite comments on the revised drafts of the CfD Standard Terms and Conditions and the CfD generic Agreement published alongside this document: the proposed amendments are shown as tracked changes in these documents.

We also welcome views on a small number of new proposals addressing associated issues that emerged during the original consultation, and on proposed minor and technical contract changes to ensure that the contract terms remain effective. These include:

• the way in which reference price forecasts are used during the allocation process
• the treatment of those technologies which are eligible to participate in the CfD scheme regardless of whether they deploy with Combined Heat and Power (CHP) (i.e. the ‘optional CHP’ technologies, currently advanced conversion technologies, anaerobic digestion and geothermal)
• Issue 7 of the CHP Quality Assurance (CHPQA) Standard and Guidance Note 44 giving effect to new increased efficiency requirements for CHP projects. New versions of both these documents are available on this page, with changes marked
• Brexit-related changes to ensure that the CfD contract functions effectively after the UK has left the European Union
• a series of proposed minor and technical changes to ensure that the contract terms remain effective

The Environment Agency publish permits that they issue under the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).

This decision includes the permit and decision document for:

• Operator name: Mr John Howat, Mrs Christine Howat and Mr Ian Howat
• Installation name: Upper Startley Farm
• Permit number: EPR/NP3131MZ/V003

A London based market trader has been fined for displaying, offering for sale and selling rotten fruit and vegetables that failed to meet the minimum quality standards.

Brian Childs, a stallholder at Queens Market in Upton Park, London was fined £1,998 at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 22 August 2018, following an investigation by the Rural Payments Agency’s (RPA) Horticultural Marketing Inspectors (HMI).

Mr Childs, who trades under the name of Jaqueline Childs, runs one of the largest independent fruit and vegetable stalls within the purpose-built indoor complex.

An HMI inspection found the stall selling rotten lettuce, plums and papaya, while kakis and limes were being marketed with incorrect country of origin labelling.

Peter Bainbridge, RPA Operations Director said:

The ultimate objective of the RPA’s Horticultural Marketing Inspectors is to work closely with the fresh produce industry at all times. They use face-to-face inspection as a means of providing advice and guidance to help support retailers such as Mr Childs understand the role that the marketing standards can play in adding real value to their business.

Unfortunately their advice is not always heeded by individuals and businesses and when all other options are exhausted, the RPA will resort to the use of criminal sanction to bring about a required change in behaviour.

On top of the fine, HMI investigation costs of £2,049 were awarded, along with victim surcharge, producing a total financial penalty of £4,138.

Background

• Horticultural Marketing Inspectors are part of the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). The team is responsible for the enforcement of the EU marketing standards for fresh fruit, vegetables, salad crops, nuts and cultivated mushroom, throughout England and Wales, wherever fresh produce is grown, imported, exported, bought or sold.

This guidance outlines some of the issues, risks and opportunities around financing heat networks in the UK, to support the move to a self-sustaining heat network market. It includes:

• a decision tree for engaging with internal and external funding sources
• a decision tree for delivery structure and funding sources
• revenue streams
• commercial structures (delivery, contractual and funding)
• business rates
• accounting implications
• tax implications (Corporation Tax, VAT, Stamp Duty and Construction Industry Scheme)
• links to other guidance
• case studies
• engagement with the funding market
• cash flows associated with structures explored

The guidance is aimed at:

• heat network sponsors
• heat network developers
• heat network funders

Monthly deployment of all solar photovoltaic capacity in the United Kingdom up to the end of July 2018.