Jeff Smith MP has welcomed the news that 98 schools and NHS sites across the North West are set to receive funding from Great British Energy to install solar panels—saving thousands of pounds on their energy bills.

This is the first major project from the Labour Government’s new publicly-owned energy company and includes local hospitals Manchester Royal Infirmary and South Wythenshawe Hospital Limb Centre.

The programme will support 46 schools and 52 NHS sites, cutting costs and boosting energy independence.

Estimates suggest the average school could save up to £25,000 on bills, and investment in NHS solar panels will save hospitals thousands more over their lifetime.

The NHS has seen its energy bill double to £1.4bn a year since 2019 due to a reliance on fossil fuels. This project is part of Labour’s wider plan to cut bills, increase sustainability and reduce long-term pressures on public services.

An additional £12m has also been announced for local authorities and community groups to build clean energy projects, including onshore wind turbines, rooftop solar and hydropower.

Jeff Smith MP said:

“This is a fantastic investment for the North West that will see hospitals and schools—including Manchester Royal Infirmary and South Wythenshawe Hospital Limb Centre—saving thousands of pounds on their energy bills.

Through Great British Energy, Labour is delivering on its Plan for Change by boosting our energy independence, investing in our public services and delivering lower bills for our communities.”