MUCH like Labour's “pay as you save” scheme, the Tories pledge to invest in a “Green Deal” which will give every home £6,500-worth of energy improvement measures, paid for out of the savings made on fuel bills.
The Tories are also pledging sustainable water management, “smart energy meter” technology, a Green Investment Bank to get green technologies running, reform of the Common Fisheries Policy and expansion of offshore wind and marine power.
But the possibility that the Tories might lift the ban on foxhunting could lead to animal rights activists voting against the party.
Andrew Garnett, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Wavertree, said: “The environment is a key issue for the Conservative Party in Liverpool, and has been put at the heart of our agenda since David Cameron became party leader.
“We will lead by example and ensure that the next Conservative government delivers a 10% reduction in central government carbon emissions within 12 months of coming to power. This will have the added benefit of saving the nation £300m a year in energy bills.
“We will accelerate the planned programme of carbon capture and storage demonstration projects. Capturing and storing carbon emissions is key to reducing our impact on the environment.”
For refuse collection, they say they would encourage councils to pay people to recycle, and introduce a responsibility deal for producers to cut back on the production of waste and improve its disposal.
They are keen on expanding the offshore electricity grid, with a new generation of offshore wind parks and at least two Marine Energy Parks.
Mr Garnett added: “Our region is uniquely placed to take advantage of its renewable energy opportunities, with wave and wind power coming from the Mersey and the Irish Sea. Our policies will provide an opportunity for green businesses to become a feature of the Liverpool Innovation Park, and will help Liverpool to become a leader in green technologies.
“These proposals are exciting for Merseyside and show that the environment is at the heart of the Conservative Party's plans for the future.”
