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Council considered the Director of Housing's report which provided an update on successful bids for funding to improve the energy efficiency of homes across the borough.
Councillor Grant summarised the report to Council as follows :-
The report previously considered by Housing and Neighbourhoods Committee, provided an update on successful bids for funding to improve the energy efficiency of homes across the borough. In total, across three separate bids, £5.87m has been awarded to the Council which will result in 408 homes benefiting from the installation of energy efficiency measures of which 321 will be owner occupied or privately rented homes and 87 council homes.
The report provided information on the Homes Upgrade Grant and Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund grant funding recently awarded to the Council and how these monies will be used and targeted.
The report also detailed out the Council’s approach to decarbonising the Council’s housing stock, utilising a fabric first approach by improving the energy performance of the structure of homes – by increasing or improving insulation and/or replacing windows and doors. Such works deliver immediate benefits. The second part of the approach is to move towards clean heating systems – moving away from heating systems which are reliant on fossil fuels.
Councillor T Wright raised some concern with regard to the total number homes being considered for the project, he commented that he felt there was a need to understand the issues with all properties in Great Yarmouth to identify those that suffer energy loss and are not energy sufficient in light of increase in fuel costs as this could have a huge impact on the residents within the Borough, although Councillor Wright advised that he welcomed the funding. The Housing Director reported that a private home condition stock survey together with a Council home stock condition survey was planned to be undertaken to look at energy efficient properties, and she noted that the Council were mindful of heating homes and the rising costs.
Councillor Jeal asked with regard to Selective Licensing and whether this could be used as part of this programme. It was advised that this would be an item on the Housing and Neighbourhoods Committee to be discussed.
Councillor Myers asked with regard to the requirement for landlord contributions and whether this would be unable to go ahead if the landlord did not contribute. It was advised that landlords would have to agree to the scheme for this to go ahead.
Councillor Price raised some concern with regard to the scheme and whether this could be completed within the anticipated timescales.
Proposer : Councillor Grant
Seconder : Councillor D Hammond
That Council :-
1. Agree Acceptance of the Homes Upgrade Grant (HUG) and Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) grant monies
2. Note the prior completion of the Memorandum of Understanding to secure the SHDF grant monies and completion of the Memorandum of Understanding for the HUG grant award
3. Agree Delegation of all decisions on the use of and spend of the Homes Upgrade Grant and Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund monies in accordance with the requirements of the applicable Memorandum of Understanding to the Head of Property and Asset Management/Director of Housing Assets.
4. Agree to Updating the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account 2022/23 capital programmes to reflect the HUG and SHDF spend.
Carried