Tesco and Marks & Spencer help cut Whitehall bills

Tesco and Marks & Spencer have been recruited by the Government to help it save money on energy bills.

The retail giants have joined B&Q owner Kingfisher and HSBC to advise Whitehall departments on how to cut energy use by 10 per cent during the coalition's first year in office.

The departments are today announcing a range of measures to meet the target, one of David Cameron's first pledges. They include installing motion sensors so lights go out when rooms are empty and motivational talks aimed at persuading staff to go green.

M&S and Tesco will have seats on a cross-government committee to oversee efforts. Climate change minister Greg Barker said money saved would mean fewer cuts to front-line services.