CLIMATE change proposals that have been drawn up by all local authorities in North Yorkshire are to be sent to the government for possible inclusion in new environmental laws.

The suggestions were put forward by the seven district councils, including Hambleton, Richmondshire and Ryedale, as well as North Yorkshire County Council in response to a consultation exercise.

The North Yorkshire proposal calls for the introduction of measures to promote energy efficiency, including a programme to insulate every school and hospital, and funding to pay for insulation in a million homes, plus subsidies for a million more.

The proposal also calls for the construction of a further 40,000 zero-carbon social houses, and the installation of energy consumption meters in every home.

County Councillor Carl Les, executive member for corporate services, said: "This is an excellent demonstration of the commitment of all the local authorities to work together to achieve real results in the fight against climate change.

"As well as helping to combat carbon emissions, our proposals would have a clear benefit in alleviating fuel poverty, which is a real concern for many people, particularly those on fixed incomes, across North Yorkshire."

As well as being approved by the district and county councils, the North Yorkshire proposals were backed in a consultation exercise involving the voluntary sector and parish councils.