TAX breaks and grants should be given to homeowners, and new nuclear power stations will be needed in the South East for a greener future - according to the South East England Regional Assembly.

These are some of the measures recommended by the assembly to encourage residents to make their homes more energy efficient and to protect the environment.

Chairman Councillor Keith Mitchell said: "Ensuring we have enough energy to meet all our needs, while at the same time reducing carbon emissions, is critical to the region's future.

"Both suppliers and consumers need to be greener to help protect our environment and Government has a key role in delivering this. By using the carrot of financial incentives and the stick of energy saving targets real progress can be made towards a brighter, cleaner future."

The assembly also accepted that new nuclear power stations, and an increase in renewable energy use, will be needed to meet future energy needs and reduce carbon emissions, although members expressed concerns over security and dealing with the radioactive waste.

Residents should be encouraged to install double-glazing, insulation or renewable energy generators such as solar panels, says the group, responding to the Government's Energy White Paper consultations.