A BID to cut £200,000 from the energy bill of North Lincolnshire Council's buildings is to be spearheaded by an 'energy tsar'.

The council will spend £3.2-million this financial year on bills – £400,000 more than last year's £2.8-million.

And the new recruit will be appointed to target future ways to spend less as gas prices soar, hitting families and businesses across the region.

The new energy manager, whose position is still subject to cabinet approval, will be paid about £30,000.

"With soaring energy prices and in response to the Government's climate change agenda, there is even more need to save energy," said Coun Steve Swift, cabinet member for corporate services.

"We cannot sit still. We have a responsibility to respond and lead by example through our own practices and services we deliver.

"This is key to the climate change agenda."

Key measures the new manager is expected to look at include examining energy efficiency techniques, such as earlier shutdowns for heating and turning off computers.

They will also encourage wider sustainable construction techniques and environmentally friendly building materials.

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