GREEN lobbyists are claiming that Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly is blocking energy efficiency moves.

Members of the Association for the Conservation of Energy say that the Bolton-west MP gave instructions to minister, Phil Woolas MP, to halt the Local Planning Authorities (Energy and Energy Efficiency) Bill.

The Bill, introduced by a fellow Labour MP Martin Caton, would enable local authorities to require higher efficiency standards in new developments.

The campaign group has written to Bolton councillors urging them to persuade Ms Kelly to change her stance.

Association director Andrew Warren said: "It is government policy to use the planning system to set higher energy efficiency standards in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

"It is absurd that Ruth Kelly has ordered the blocking of a Bill which would simply allow councils to carry out government policy."