Agenda item

To gain member approval for the operational arrangements for SELCP delivery of Warm Homes Local Grant and Energy Advice across the Sub-Region (report of the Assistant Director – Regulatory enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Regulatory which requested member approval for the operational arrangements for S&ELCP delivery of Warm Homes – Local Grant and Energy Advice across the sub-region.

The Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Conservation and Heritage and Tourism presented the report: 

·       This report sought continuation of the approach that had been deployed for the last three years to deliver energy-efficient grants across the Partnership. The latest grant round was called Warm Homes – Local Grant and had seen the Partnership awarded £5.6 million for the next three year programme;

·       The proposal was that ELDC continued to act as the lead accountable body for programme delivery having built a knowledgeable team that was experienced in delivering these grants to residents;

·       The report also sought to roll out the Home Energy Advice Service, piloted in East Lindsey over the last 18 months, into South Holland for the next two years. This would provide a hugely important source of information and advice to any resident wanting to know more about how to make their home more energy-efficient and reduce their utility costs. They were also able to offer a much wider support network for residents that needed it with links into wider social and wellbeing support services to ensure people were accessing the help and advice they needed

·       A team of four energy advice officers, supported by additional resources from the environmental charity PECT, would deliver the service alongside the mobile Energy and Retrofit Information Clinic (ERIC) which provided a showcase that could be taken into the heart of rural communities to support those particularly who may not be able to access traditional services.

·       Both of these schemes would ensure that South Holland’s residents were supported to maximise the available grant funding and wider support services available to them over the next few years.

Consideration was given to the report and the following issues were raised:

·       It was clarified that East Lindsey District Council would be administering the scheme but all three authorities within the S&ELCP would benefit from the funding.  Separate reports were being taken to SHDC and Boston Borough Council to gain approval.

·       Members asked whether Warm Homes grants to private sector landlords (as referred to in section 2.18 of the report) would be means tested.  Officers advised that a response to this question would be provided to members shortly.

·       It was clarified that all staff administering the scheme were in-house and employed by ELDC.  Staffing costs were cost-neutral as staff were funded by the grant that they administered.

·       Members asked what the definition of a Park Home was and also, if the home was moveable, what measures were in place to ensure that owners did not claim for multiple grants on the same dwelling?

o   Officers provided a broad definition of a Park Home but advised that a clearer definition would be provided to members, along with details of measures in place to ensure multiple claims could not be made.

DECISION:

1)    That the principle of East Lindsey District Council acting as the lead authority and accountable body for the Warm Homes – Local Grant programme and the Home Energy Advice Service on behalf of South Holland District Council be approved:

2)    That the entering into of an appropriate written agreement between East Lindsey District Council and South Holland District Council for delivery of the two programmes be approved, subject to legal advice, with delegated authority given to the Assistant Director Regulatory in consultation with the Portfolio Holder to agree the terms of the agreement;

3)    That the continuation of a Programme Monitoring Board for Warm Homes – Local Grant be approved and that this Board also receive updates in relation to delivery of the Home Energy Advice Service as outlined in paragraph 2.13.

(Other options considered:

·       Not to approve the operational arrangements;

·       To implement alternative arrangements, such as implementing the scheme internally rather than with East Lindsey District Council as Lead Authority and Accountable Body;

Reasons for decision:

·       To provide continuity and consistency of grant support and energy advice across the sub-region).