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Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill

The most important thing is to prioritise climate change. We know from a poll conducted by the Energy Saving Trust of 300 local authorities throughout the UK that more than 90 per cent. perceived lack of leadership from central Government as a significant obstacle to taking a strategic approach to tackling climate change. More than 90 per cent. said that other issues had a higher priority in their council. The Energy Saving Trust believes that the inclusion of a ““duty to consider”” clause—new clause 1 is such a provision—would have a marked effect in changing local priorities. We are therefore establishing a clear direction and providing for a duty to consider. The new clause states that local authorities should have regard to"““any guidance issued by the Secretary of State, within twelve months of the passing of this Act””" and"““how the measures specified in this section can assist the authority in the discharge of its functions relating to . . . reducing emissions . . . alleviating fuel poverty . . . energy efficiency . . . renewable energy . . . low carbon energy; and microgeneration.””" This is about putting those things on the agenda. It is pretty timid stuff, because it does not go further than that, but it is about reasserting political leadership and ensuring that these issues are deemed a priority among all the matters that busy local authorities have to contend with. We have a lot to get through today, and I greatly look forward to hearing what the Minister has to say. I am delighted to see the Bill back on the Floor of the House, and I congratulate the hon. Member for Edinburgh, North and Leith (Mark Lazarowicz) on steering it through the Standing Committee and getting it back here.