Teignbridge Tories Scupper Council Energy Saving Plans

12.26.29pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 6th Jun 2008

Plans by Teignbridge District Council to tackle rising energy and fuel costs and save around £500,000 over five years have been thrown into doubt after a challenge by the authority's opposition members.

Teignbridge Council, ranked 7th nationally for its recycling work, planned to appoint a full time Energy Efficiency Officer to give specialist advice, seek grants and co-ordinate a programme of activity to save energy and cut the dramatically rising costs.

The council, led by the Liberal Democrats in partnership with the group of Independent members, decided to appoint a full time specialist officer whose salary would be covered from savings on rising fuel and energy costs and savings already made in other areas -- but opposition Conservative councillors successfully challenged the plan.

Council Leader Alan Connett said:" Every household is feeling the pinch of rising energy prices and the council is no different. We have a hard-earned reputation for being a well managed council and it's our job as councillors to do what we can to keep our costs down. With savings over five years of £500,000 and possible much more, this needless delay is costing local council taxpayers."

In the last financial year Teignbridge spent £125,140 on gas, £257,810 on electricity and £408,890 on fuel for its vehicles. Best estimates show that this year alone the cost of gas and electricity could rocket by a combined £117,000 while fuel could be a further £163,500, said Cllr Connett.

He added:" We're really disappointed by the Conservatives. They have said they want to see improved energy efficiency but then set about frustrating and delaying the very actions that will help achieve that goal and, importantly, help keep down any rises in Council Tax."

Since 2004, Teignbridge has developed a strong record in the south west for low or no rises in Council Tax and in 2005 was the only district council in the country to freeze the charge it made on local householders.

Cllr Gordon Hook, Teignbridge's environment lead councillor, explained: "Every day of Conservative generated delay is costing local residents money because we're being prevented from taking the action we believe is necessary to cut our demand for energy and to reduce the spiralling costs. We're not a lone voice in this. Councils elsewhere and of all political colours understand the urgency of getting to grips with this issue and cutting costs. It's exactly what we want to do but we must now wait."

Teignbridge's Overview and Scrutiny committee agreed by 16 votes to 14 with one abstention to refer the energy saving plans back to the council's Executive with the suggestion that a review group is established. The council's Executive will reconsider the proposals in June.