The estimated cost to taxpayers of a flagship Government policy for promoting biofuels has almost doubled while the forecast carbon savings it will deliver have been cut, it has emerged.

The predicted cost of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) has risen by 87% from £203 to £380 per tonne of carbon emissions saved.

Meanwhile, estimated carbon savings are down from one million tonnes a year to 700,000-800,000 tonnes.

The RTFO is intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transport industry by increasing use of biofuels.

Read more on The Guardian website.