The Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) “will not constitute a new burden” on local authorities, DECC energy efficiency minister Joan Ruddock has told Conservative communities spokesman Stewart Jackson.

Local authorities already report reductions in CO2 emissions from their estate against National Indicator 185.

“Our analysis indicates that participating local authorities should, on average, see savings through reduced energy bills outweighing administrative costs and the cost of investing in energy efficiency measures”, she stressed. “The potential savings on energy bills are far higher than the costs incurred through CRC penalties for those at the bottom of the league table”.

(Hansard, 3 March: Columns 1202-3W)