Decision Session - Executive Member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods
Set out below is a summary of the decisions taken at the meeting of the Decision Session Executive Member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods held on Thursday, 14 July 2022. The wording used does not necessarily reflect the actual wording that will appear in the minutes.
Members are reminded that, should they wish to call in a decision, notice must be given to Democracy Support Group no later than 4pm on the second working day after this meeting.
If you have any queries about any matters referred to in this decision sheet, please contact LouiseCook.
4. Retrofit Programme - Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Strategy Update
Resolved:
i) That the progress to date be noted on delivering
retrofit works within council homes alongside the development of
further analysis and options to deliver further improvements this
year and beyond.
Reason: To deliver the
council’s ambitions for minimising tenants’ energy
bills, building the local green economy and retrofit supply chains,
and reducing carbon emissions in the city.
ii) That the ongoing preparation for a Social Housing Decarbonisation Wave 2 bid be noted following the council’s successful application for Wave 1 funding and that a business case for this investment will be brought forward later this year.
Reason: Grant funding of up to 50% of total costs can substantially increase the pace of retrofit improvements carried out in Housing Revenue Account (HRA) stock.
iii) That the intention to submit a bid through the anticipated Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund “digitalisation” programme for building performance monitoring and data analytics technology be noted. This would need to be supported by HRA investment and a business case will be brought forward for approval prior to committing to this programme of works.
Reason: This technology can support better informed forecasting of residents’ energy bill savings following retrofit works. This will enable leverage of financial opportunities and facilitate learning opportunities as well as supporting the most effective investment in improvement works.
iv) That the intention to continue work towards HRA stock decarbonisation within the Retrofit Action Plan, including commissioning of an evidence base to support this, be noted.
Reason: To identify long-term investment priorities and build on the existing stock analysis, and to provide net zero pathway options.