Teesdale has the highest carbon emissions per person of any local authority in the United Kingdom, with the average resident responsible for 4.3t CO2/yr – compared to the national average of only 2.6t.

The figures, calculated for the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), was from local electricity and gas meter readings and sales figures which measured energy use at the point of consumption, rather than generation. Fingers have been pointed at the lack of insulation in housing.

The figures were highlighted at the Lib Dem Conference where delegates backed plans to make the UK carbon neutral by 2050. The Lib Dems plan to introduce “green” mortages, to improve the energy efficiency of housing.

Chris Huhne, the Lib Dem environment spokesman, said urgent action was needed, because three-quarters of homes likely to be in use in 2050 were already built. He highlighted that the average annual Swedish energy bill was £385 lower than in Britain, despite January temperatures being seven degrees centigrade lower.

http://www.defra.gov.uk