The council has said it would benefit schools which had not been improved when the government cancelled the Building Schools for the Future programme in 2010.

BBC: Liverpool schools' improvement plan approved

While Title 24 has improved building efficiency by more than 50%, these technologies have not been applied to existing buildings in a comprehensive manner.

FORBES: How To Convince Homeowners To Pull The Trigger On Energy Upgrades

One reason is that the economy as a whole, and in particular the advertising market, has been in a sharp downturn for most of 2001 - and things have not improved this year.

BBC: ITV Digital logo

A:The situation has improved since more clearance has been given but we strongly fear that it is not going to be sufficient.

BBC: Sudan - should we do more?

His position has come under increasing threat following his side's early exit from the World Cup last year and will not have been improved by a third defeat of a disappointing campaign.

BBC: England 33-10 Ireland