Inner-city London councils are being charged with putting energy saving measures in place to prevent climate change.

Cabinet member for the environment at Lambeth Council, Sally Prentice said we all have to "raise our game and act now if we are to avert climate change".

She made the comments after mayor of London Boris Johnson announced that Brixton is to receive £200,000 in funding towards improving energy efficiency in the area.

Nine other London boroughs were also granted funding to become low carbon zones.

Ms Prentice's council have been given the job of reducing energy emissions in Brixton, one of London's most densely populated areas, by more than one-fifth (20.12 per cent) by 2012.

The council intends to meet its target by making homes in the area more energy efficient, which will also help save residents money, Ms Prentice explained.

She added that cutting Brixton's fuel bills is vital for families on low incomes.