Dorset's climate change policies could ultimately be defeated by the cost – and some residents not buying into the concepts.

Environment portfolio councillor Ray Bryan has warned that the estimated total £130m cost of climate change policies for Dorset Council could result in a five per cent increase in the council tax – which could force a public referendum.

He said that while the climate consultation was well supported a general residents' survey only placed climate change and carbon reduction as the ninth priority for Dorset Council.

There is no money in the current council budget for climate change, other than government grant funding for changes to council buildings.

Cllr Bryan told a meeting on Wednesday that the council now needed to persuade undecided residents that climate change was not somebody else's problem – but would affect everyone.

"People are not as concerned as they should be going forward. It's very important to get residents on side with us because there's a lot they can do," he said.

He defended criticism that the Dorset carbon neutral target of 2040 was not ambitious enough. Although it is ten years ahead of the Government target he said it was "realistic and achievable."

Weymouth councillor Gill Taylor said she was disappointed by the climate target: "It's a really good piece of work, but it's 'realistic', which I find a sad indictment. I want it to be inspirational, so we are pushing ourselves," she said.

Cllr Taylor said she also saw the cost and public support as a potential obstacle: "The finance is going to be a real challenge, a lot of the public don't get what we are trying to do …a lot of people suggest they think it is someone else's problem and there are people who say it's important but their actions don't suggest that."

She said one issue she would like to see included was hydrogen to heat houses which should be encouraged.

The meeting heard that current government planning policy did not support new houses being fitted with solar panels or heat exchangers – and that retro-fitting existing houses to be greener would be a significant cost to individuals.

Cllr Bryan said the council was working hard to spend the record £19m Government grant to improve the council's own buildings, something which had to be achieved by September, or the money would be lost.

Policy and resources scrutiny chairman Shane Bartlett said lobbying government for policy change and further funding for the county would need the support of Dorset MPs.

The committee welcomed the suggestion from Cllr Bryan that following future full council elections the new authority should be given the chance to review climate related policies for achievability and cost.

The surveys on the council's climate change proposals attracted 3,400 responses - less than one per cent of the population - with most respondents over 65.

The authority has previously said it was disappointed by the low response from younger people and is exploring methods to improve engagement.

Almost 90 per cent who responded to the climate consultation felt that it was vital or important to tackle climate change and welcomed the council's aim of becoming carbon neutral.

Recurring themes in the responses included meeting targets sooner; the language for change needing to be more positive and the need for clear monitoring and reporting on progress.

There was also support for offshore wind power, tidal and wave power, and the need to encourage zero-carbon homes as well as for the adoption of more sustainable practices for the food and drink industry, including moving away from meat, re-wilding some areas and planting species which were better for the environment. Local producers are also being encouraged to explore ways to reduce 'food miles'.

The policy document is expected to be decided at the July Cabinet meeting.