Issue - decisions

This item was chaired by Diana Minns (Vice Chair)

Matter for Decision

As part of a programme of energy efficiency improvements to the Council's existing housing stock it was planned to procure contractor(s) to install various measures including external wall insulation, cavity wall insulation, ventilation upgrades and solar PV panels to Council properties in various locations.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

      i.          Approved the issue of tenders and authorised the Director of Neighbourhoods and Communities to award a contract(s) to a contractor(s) to deliver energy efficiency and associated works to Council housing from 2022 -2024, with an option to extend for one or more periods up to a maximum of two years.

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 Corporate Energy Manager.

The Corporate Energy Manager said the following in response to Members’ questions:

i.    External wall insulation had been installed on 150 properties in 2020/21 and it was hoped that it would be installed in 80-90 properties this year.

ii.  The contract would be awarded following a formal procurement process and bidders would be assessed against certain criteria including value for money. There was an option included in the recommendation for the contract to be extended for up to 2 years subject to satisfactory performance by the contractor.

iii. Noted that some of the council housing stock did have ‘E’ energy ratings but these were being reviewed and prioritised for retrofit works where possible.

iv.Noted that retrofit improvements to properties could include solar panels, new windows / doors and insulation.

v.  New energy efficient improvements would be considered for example underfloor insulation and air source heat pumps had been installed in a couple of council owned properties.

vi.Noted that delays in the implementation of the MRI Asset Management ICT system was due to a national issue.

vii.  Council Tenants could contact the Council to check if their property had loft insulation. Whether a property had loft insulation would be checked when the housing stock condition survey was carried out.

viii. The Council is planning to submit a bid to the ‘Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund wave 2’ later this year which if successful would be used to undertake additional improvements in terms of energy efficiency of council homes.

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.