FRACKING looks set to become even more of a contentious matter.

Prime Minister David Cameron says his government is “going all out for shale” and announced yesterday that local councils would be able to keep 100 per cent of business rates raised from fracking sites.

Well, we know a carrot when we see one.

Whether or not this is an acceptable inducement will surely depend on the environmental guarantees that accompany fracking: a controversial process during which high-pressure water and chemicals are blasted into the ground to fracture rock and thereby release trapped gas.

The Government seems in an excitable state about the millions fracking could generate for the Treasury and for local authorities. Many local councils will be duly cautious before signing up, bearing in mind the balance between much-needed income and the potential harm to the countryside where fracking is allowed.

Green campaigners dismiss the latest move from Mr Cameron as a bribe. Others may see it as an opportunity, although much still remains uncertain about the long-term effects.

As a starting point, we would advise looking carefully at that carrot.