Issue - meetings

Matter for Decision

The Officer report advised that since being awarded Green Deal Communities funding in March 2014, the Action on Energy partnership had undertaken extensive engagement activity across Cambridgeshire and as a result have secured strong interest from local residents in insulation grants, including a particularly high response rate in Cambridge City.

The decision is to note the progress made on Action on Energy.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources

Noted the progress and issues presented in the report.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Environmental Quality & Growth Manager.

In response to Members’ questions the Environmental Quality & Growth Manager said the following:

       i.          The Action on Energy partnership would continue even if grant funding ceased in future, it was a delivery vehicle that could use any funding stream.

     ii.          A variety of means had been used to try and engage the private sector through incentives and marketing schemes. Good offers were available if the private sector wished to take them up.

   iii.          A meeting between Department of Energy &
Climate Change, the City Council and partners in April 2015 would look at how to better engage the private sector.

   iv.          The size of properties in Cambridge affected the type of energy efficiency measures that could be used in them. Internal wall insulation take up was lower than external, although it was just as effective, because it reduced people’s living space. The thickness of insulation was unlikely to change in future, so people may wish to change how they used it. For example, mid terrace houses could have internal insulation at the front, and external at the rear (where it would not be seen). They would be insulated on the sides by neighbours.

    v.          Energy efficiency work could be undertaken on rendered properties. Planning Officers had advised that like for like rendering (post energy efficiency work) could be undertaken without seeking planning permission, it would only be required if materials were changed.

   vi.          All properties would get a full survey prior to work being undertaken by Green Deal accredited installers. Work was guaranteed for twenty five years.

 vii.          A show home was available to visit at 155 Coleridge Road.

viii.          The Home Energy Officer undertook to provide committee members with original and updated figures for Green Deal Communities activity in relation to the Action on Energy Progress Update report submitted to Strategy and Resources scrutiny committee of 23 March 2015.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendation.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.