The overwhelming evidence for climate change and the real threat it poses was a major factor in the announcement in 2012 by Ed Davey, secretary of state for energy and climate change, of “ a community energy revolution.”

This was later explained as communities generating their own energy putting pressure on the big six to reduce prices, cutting carbon emissions and improving energy security.

Now community energy schemes have been dealt a double blow. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has altered the rules so that community energy schemes can no longer be classed as co-ops run for the benefit of local people.

The second blow is the removal of vital tax reliefs. The result of these changes is that people investing in community energy will receive little financial benefit.

The potential for community energy schemes to make a real contribution to energy needs has been nipped in the bud.

The future of projects such as the Transition Bewdley community energy project is in jeopardy.

It is hypocritical that this is happening at a time when big tax breaks are being offered to fracking companies and the regulations on onshore drilling are being weakened. This is happening despite evidence that extracting every last drop of oil and gas will accelerate climate change to dangerous levels.

The government should not sabotage the efforts of communities to generate renewable energy. The changes that block community energy schemes should be reversed, something that, if elected, I will make a priority.

Natalie McVey Green Party Parliamentary Candidate, Wyre Forest