ENERGY waste and emissions could cost the county council more than a million pounds in unbudgeted costs.

A report going before councillors this week says there is a ‘high’ risk that unexpected bills for energy will result in overspending if Dorset County Council fails to improve.

It says that more than half the cost for energy in 2014 – £7.4m – relates to the council’s own estate and services.

The report added that the council ‘should have more direct control and influence’ over these costs.

Despite reductions in consumption, the bill for fuels, utilities, business mileage, office waste disposal and carbon allowances has risen by more than £1.4m in five years.

As reported in the Echo, the council is making a series of changes to County Hall in Dorchester in order to accommodate more staff and allow it to sell other assets to offset the huge budget cuts of recent years.

In the report, director of environment and economy Mike Harries says County Hall could accommodate 20 percent of the council’s core staff.

He said: “It accounts for a significant proportion of the council’s corporate energy consumption, has a huge transport footprint and produces a significant proportion of our overall office waste.”

He added: “It is critical that sustainability and carbon reduction are at the heart of any future plans for County Hall and Colliton Park.”