Green deal promises to tackle CO2 emissions (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Richmond Council leader Nick True believes Government coalition won't affect green deal

3:15pm Friday 14th May 2010 in News By Chris Wickham

A new green deal for residents to reduce domestic emissions could be on its way to Richmond.

Councillor Nick True, new leader of Richmond Council, said this week he will stick to a manifesto pledge to offer £6,500 per household to residents wanting to reduce their domestic carbon emissions.

He explained it was national Conservative policy, and hoped it would be part of the agreement reached by the coalition Government.

“I would be amazed if the Liberal Democrats have not agreed to support the green deal,” said Coun True. “I would find it astonishing.

“Before the election I made it clear [if we won] we would want to be in the first wave of councils participating and we were told before the election the Conservative Party was aiming to present legislation on it quickly.

“The timing may be affected by the coalition discussions but I see no reason why it won’t go ahead.

“Over the last four years [in Richmond] the Liberal Democrats have attacked the public for having parked cars in small areas of the borough and saved no CO2.

“We are the highest polluting borough in London, it has been a policy failure.

“The main source of CO2 emissions is domestic. We hope householders can reduce carbon via the green deal but I always said it will depend on Government policy.”

Councillor Stephen Knight, acting leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition, said his party had a good record on green issues.

He added: “Our commitment to the environment has been a great benefit to the borough.

“Recycling rates are up to 45 per cent, from 30 per cent four years ago.”

Coun True joked there had been a recycling jump with the amount of election material produced. He pledged to look at the service.