Agenda item

To update Cabinet on the progress of delivering works under the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund: Wave 2: 1 and to propose a budget virement to facilitate its delivery.  To provide details of a further programme under Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3 (report of the Assistant Director – Housing enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Housing which sought to update Cabinet on the progress of delivering works under the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund: Wave 2:1 and to propose a budget virement to facilitate its delivery; and to provide details of a further programme under Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing presented the report, and the following issues were raised:

·       Had any feedback been received from tenants whose properties had already had work undertaken, in order to understand satisfaction levels?

o   The Assistant Director – Housing advised that with regard to satisfaction levels, an assessment was undertaken for each property at the end of the works. The work being undertaken was extensive and as a result, was taking some time.  There is a dedicated officer in place who was working with the contractors and tenants.  Feedback received to date was generally good. 

·       Was the performance of air source heat pumps that were being installed satisfactory?

o   The Assistant Director – Housing advised that a few properties had had air source heat pumps installed.  Solar panels were also being installed so the benefit of both alongside each other could be realised.  To date, the response had been generally positive.  It was important to note that this was an advancing technology, however officers were not aware of any issues.

o   The Leader commented that it may be useful to have some annual feedback/data around this, particularly on areas such as cost.

·       What were the criteria for selecting properties to have works undertaken?

o   The Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing stated that the focus for funding was to raise the EPC rating for properties and therefore lower-rated properties would be prioritised. As more funding was released, it was likely that properties with higher EPC ratings could then become eligible.

o   The Assistant Director – Housing added that alongside this work sat the Decent Homes programme of works which continued.  With regard to prioritisation of the funding under discussion, EPC ratings drove the programme.

DECISION:

That Cabinet note the intention to submit a bid to the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3 as set out in the body of the report.

RECOMMENDATION FROM CABINET TO COUNCIL:

That Cabinet recommend to Full Council that the HRA capital programme be amended to £7,007,000. Noting this amendment will be funded through a virement from other budgets as set out in the financial section within the report.

(Other options considered:

·       Do nothing. No further action could be taken which would result in the current scheme delivering outcomes to 148 less properties than originally anticipated. This was not considered a viable option as it was likely that failure to deliver the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund programme in its entirety would impact on the Council’s ability to bid for future funding.

Reasons for decision:

·       Cabinet was asked to recommend a virement from existing approved budgets within the HRA capital programme. Previously significant funds were set aside to enable remodelling of an existing scheme within the Council’s housing stock. However, due to the limited scope of future options for the scheme that work could no longer proceed. Cabinet was advised that all potential capital improvements considered viable for the scheme had already been completed.

·       Under the Safety and Quality Consumer Standard the Council was expected to demonstrate knowledge of its housing stock together with appropriate plans to maintain and invest in decent and safe homes. Therefore, submitting a bid to the Warm Homes: Social Housing fund Wave 3 scheme would enable the Council to continue to demonstrate strong outcomes under this standard).