A bill to give councils the right to implement the so-called “Merton rule” on renewable energy is to be put forward by MPs today.

The bill, proposed by Conservative MP Michael Fallon, does not have government support, but Fallon claims backing from all parties.

The aim is to enshrine in law the right of councils to insist that developments meet a certain amount of their energy needs from onsite renewable sources.

The policies, which have now been proposed by about 100 councils, are based on an initiative by Merton council in south London.

Fallon says his bill has the backing of former environment ministers Elliot Morley, Michael Meacher and John Gummer, as well as Chris Huhne, the Liberal Democrat’s leadership candidate.