To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will discuss with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government the potential effects of a reduction in levels of street lighting on progress against carbon emission reduction targets. (264158)

[holding answer 17 March 2009]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no plans for such discussions. Decisions on street lighting levels are a matter for local authorities. They are required to report on their progress in reducing carbon emissions in the local authority performance framework. Local authorities have a broad range of means for reducing emissions from their own estates and from their communities.

Salix Finance, funded by DECC through the Carbon Trust, helps with street lighting projects. So far Salix Finance has made approximately £900,000 available in the form of match-funded interest free loans for street lighting projects, which are estimated to deliver annual carbon savings of 1,875 tCO₂.

DECC is working to include street lighting in the Carbon Reduction Commitment. This will provide an incentive for local authorities to improve the energy efficiency of street lights. DECC is working closely with Communities and Local Government to develop the policy, in so far as it relates to local authorities.

The Government have also negotiated an implementing measure on street lighting under the Framework Directive for the Eco-design of Energy-using Products. This is expected to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and bring cost savings.