The environmental charity, Friends of the Earth, has written to climate change minister Greg Barker warning that unless the Government agrees to amend its proposals by 4pm on Friday, November 11, it will commence court proceedings.

Friends of the Earth is warning that the disparity between the proposed cut-off date and the end of the consultation period is unlawful and will lead to unfinished or planned projects being abandoned.

Friends of the Earth’s Policy and Campaigns Director Craig Bennett said:

“The Government is breaking the law with its plans to fast-track a solar industry kill-off – as well as jeopardising thousands of jobs and countless clean energy projects across the country.

“Significant time and money has been invested planning solar schemes for homes, schools and libraries – giving them just six weeks to install is completely unacceptable, and schemes have already been scrapped.

“Ministers must amend their proposals and extend the deadline for solar tariff payments, or face a judicial review.”

Friends of the Earth’s threat of legal action follows the launch of its Final Demand campaign last month, which calls for a public enquiry into the power and influence of the ‘Big Six’ energy companies.