Policy Announcements, Monday 09 July

**Government **

• Environment secretary Hilary Benn has launched a campaign aimed at encouraging people to change their habits to help tackle climate change. A government advert being screened on Monday focuses on small changes, such as using low-energy lightbulbs and unplugging chargers. It also encourages people to think about what transport they take and to use less water. The advert shows people leaving black, sticky tar-like footprints when doing everyday carbon-producing activities. Research has found that people's homes and travel account for more than 40 per cent of the UK's CO2 emissions.

Conservatives 

• A Conservative policy group is recommending that disaffected youths should be handed concert tickets and other rewards in return for doing charity work. Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith's social justice commission is to call for the move in its report on Tuesday, it emerged last night. The proposed 'V-card' system would see young people earn credits in exchange for volunteering. In a bid to encourage giving at an early age, primary school pupils could also be provided with £5 each by the taxpayer to spend on an anti-poverty charity chosen from among several giving classroom presentations. Other recommendations designed to boost the role of the voluntary sector include compelling secondary school students to devise and take part in social projects and tax breaks for charitable giving.