Community Offer
What is the Community Fund?
The Scout Moor II Community Wealth Fund is our way of making sure the benefits of hosting a nationally important wind farm are felt right here, by the people who live and work nearby.
The fund will be worth around £600,000 a year (based on a 100MW scheme) for as long as Scout Moor II is running. Its value will grow in line with the wind farm’s success.
The aim is simple: to invest in local priorities, chosen by local people, so that the positive impact lasts for generations.
How the Community Fund will work
-
Set up the Trust
An independent body will be created to manage the fund,
ensuring it is transparent and community-led. -
Apply for a grant
Local groups, organisations, and
initiatives will be able to apply for funding. -
Local board makes decisions
A panel made up of local representatives will review
applications and decide where the money goes. -
Funding local projects
Successful projects receive funding, with regular updates
shared on progress and impact.
Apply to get involved
We want this fund to be shaped by the people who know the community best. This autumn, we’ll be holding a series of roundtable sessions where you can:
Share your ideas for what the fund should support
Learn more about how the process works
Put yourself forward to be part of the local decision-making board
If you’d like to take part or find out more, you can register your interest here
Expected Timeline
Spring 2025
Community Benefit Charter launched.
Autumn 2025
Public consultation on the Wealth Fund.
Spring 2026
Governance arrangements and structure published.
2026–2027
Subject to planning permission, the Fund established and Board formed.
2028
Construction Fund launched.
Spring 2030
Full Community Wealth Fund begins alongside commissioning of the wind farm.
We recognise that hosting a nationally important wind farm brings local impacts. That is why we have set out a clear and ambitious offer in our Community Benefit Charter – with five practical actions to ensure that local people see real, long-term benefits from Scout Moor II.
Our Commitment 1:
A Long-Term Fund for Local Priorities
We will create a new Community Wealth Fund worth at least £600,000 a year – equivalent to £6,000 per MW, based on Scout Moor II’s planned capacity of 100 MW.
The fund will
Grow when the project performs well and be protected against inflation
Support local priorities, chosen by local people, like community energy, moorland restoration, apprenticeships, and cost-of-living help
Be independently managed, with local people helping to decide how the money is used
Over the coming months, we will work with residents and local organisations to shape how the fund operates. Full details – including how to apply for support – will be published before the scheme is considered at a planning committee.
Our Commitment 2:
Jobs, Training and Local Contracts
We are committed to making sure Scout Moor II delivers for the local economy.
We will launch an apprenticeship and training programme for young people and career changers
We will work with local colleges and job centres to help residents gain the skills needed for jobs in renewables
We will give local businesses priority when awarding contracts, with clear targets and supplier support
Our Commitment 3:
Early Investment – Before Construction Begins
You will not have to wait for the benefits to start. Following the grant of planning permission but before construction starts:
We will provide grants and sponsorships to support local initiatives and community organisations
We will continue to run education and outreach programmes in schools
Our team and supply chain will take part in volunteering days and help with community events
Our Commitment 4:
Reducing Disruption During Construction
We will do everything we can to minimise disruption and respond quickly when issues arise.
A Construction Impact Fund will support those affected during the build
A rapid response team will be in place to handle concerns as they come up
We will share regular updates through a website, newsletters, and community drop-ins
Our Commitment 5:
Keeping It Transparent and Community-Led
We will be open, accountable, and guided by the communities we work with.
A Community Liaison Group, secured through planning, will oversee delivery of all commitments
We will publish an Annual Impact Report to show how the fund is being used
A public tracker will show, in real time, how much is being invested and where it is going
