Blackpool Gazette: Tax aid for shale gas ‘astonishing’
ANTI-FRACKING campaigners have reacted angrily to the Chancellor’s support for shale gas extraction.
George Osborne promised “generous” tax incentives in the shale gas field allowance to encourage investment and help Britain “tap into new sources of low cost energy”. The Budget also outlined new planning guidance and proposals on community benefits would be drawn up this summer.
But Fylde Coast campaigners have hit out. Tina Rothery, of the Resident Action on Fylde Fracking said: “It wasn’t unexpected but I still can’t believe how much the Chancellor has incentivised them, giving more money to an already profitable sector, and nothing on renewables, it’s quite astonishing. We’re very frustrated with the government’s stance but it in no way changes our opposition, we have very serious concerns and this will only make us more determined to fight it.”
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