Issue details

The purpose of this report is to update the Executive on additional LAD 2 funding now available to improve the energy efficiency of Council homes.  This is further to the LAD2 funding approved at the October Executive.

The report seeks approval to expand the energy efficiency works originally planned and for the funding mechanisms to meet the Council’s contribution.

At its meeting of the 11 October 2021, the Executive discussed the LAD2 funding opportunity to improve Council owned homes.  The funding and contract approach were also approved at this meeting.

Further discussions have taken place on funding availability and it has emerged that the Council could apply for more works than originally anticipated.  At the current time it is not possible to determine the exact number of properties, however, work is already underway to understand this given the short timescales of this funding.

This report seeks approval to extend the contract with City Energy for energy efficiency works to the Council social housing stock.  Approval is also sought for the funding arrangements.  The Council would be required to fund up to £5,000, or 1/3 of the works, per property; LAD2 funding will typically cover the remaining 2/3 of the costs of the improvement measures.

A budget of £350,000 will be put into the HRA capital programme over the next 2-3 financial years.  This is in addition to the £150,000 agreed at the October Executive meeting.

The report seeks approval for the Council to enter into an appropriate contract for the energy efficiency works (scheme to be co-ordinated by the South West Energy hub) and to approve the funding arrangements.