COUNCIL bosses have welcomed energy regulation reforms – but say more must be done to guarantee communities benefit from developments such as Hinkley Point C.

Following a review of the Energy Bill’s reforms, the Local Government Association’s New Nuclear Local Authorities Group (NNLAG) described it as a “positive and timely step in the right direction”.

Councillor David Hall, chairman of NNLAG and deputy leader of Somerset County Council, said: “The bill provides a clear signal that the Government is committed to putting the necessary mechanisms in place to keep the UK’s lights on.

“It is hoped this will help bring greater clarity and certainty to all those council areas that are being asked to host new nuclear power stations.

“The Hinkley Point C project, in particular, is at a very critical juncture and progress is therefore welcome.”

He added it is critical authorities do not lose sight of commitments the Government has made, via the National Infrastructure Plan, to clearly map out community benefits in relation to new nuclear builds.

He said: “There is still a lack of clarity on these matters and we will be continuing to pursue this with the relevant Government departments over the coming weeks.”