Recent figures produced by the Association for the Conservation of Energy showed that Westminster Council is not on track to fulfil the duty placed upon it, and all other local councils, to reduce residential energy consumption in their area by at least 30% between 1996 and 2011 under the terms of the Home Energy Conservation Act 1996.

To be on course to meet the target, each Council should by now have achieved at least a 20% reduction- an essential contribution towards cutting Co2 emissions, given that our homes are responsible for over a quarter of all such emissions nationally.

Westminster has recorded only a 7% reduction overall, leaving the borough trailing behind Kensington (also not good, at 11.9%), Brent (26.9%), Hackney (19.7%), Greenwich ( 20.5%), Hammersmith (20.4%) and so forth.

Westminster Council talks the ‘green’ talk, but has a long way to go in practice, as both these figures and the latest information on recycling rates makes clear. The Council needs to raise its game dramatically, not least by raising awareness of the assistance available to help low income Londoners.

In line with the recommendation of the Association for the Conservation of Energy, I have now written to the Department of the Environment asking that the Secretary of State consider using its powers to direct Westminster to improve its performance.

Karen will be speaking in Westminster Hall this morning about Welfare Reform.  The debate will begin at 11am and can be watched online on www.parliamentlive.tv.

Last week Karen met with local police officers to discuss the ongoing crime issues faced by local residents in and around the Harrow Road piazza area.  As she was coming back from her morning advice surgery and meeting with local police, she came across a local resident being accosted by a mugger.  The full story of what happened next has been covered by local and national newspapers, you can read the Wood & Vale’s article online by clicking on the image.

Today will see the State Opening of Parliament and the first Queen’s Speech with Gordon Brown as Prime Minister. You can watch it live online.

Check out the Labour website for up to the minute news throughout the day and more information about the Queen’s Speech.