Agenda item

The Head of Housing presented this report on the Asset Management Strategy 2021-2026 relating to the Housing Revenue Account, which was being considered by Cabinet on 7 February 2022.

In response to questioning the Head of Housing explained that no decision had been made on what technology would be used. It was expected that the Strategy would identify new forms of technology to ensure high energy efficiency rates in the Council’s housing stock. Tenants will be provided information to make the most of the available technology and benefit from it.

Improving the energy efficiency of our housing stock

Councillor Paul Bearpark stated that rising energy costs made improving the energy efficiency of our homes a priority for our residents. He suggested that residents and tenants could benefit from advice on how heating systems worked. The Head of Housing assured the Committee that officers were being recruited to offer energy advice to tenants. Councillor Martin Cahn asked how difficult it would be to improve the energy efficiency of our housing stock, which included homes made of aluminium and pre-fabricated houses.

The Head of Housing explained that needs of tenants would have to be considered alongside the possible use of sustainable energy provision. For example, some tenants wanted room temperature higher than could easily be delivered by air source heat pumps. Expectations might have to be challenged.

The Head of Housing assured the Committee that the Service Manager – Housing Assets had the skills to identify climate change related funding that would allow the Council to improve the energy efficiency of its building.

Improving biodiversity

Councillor Grenville Chamberlain suggested that the Council should consider improving biodiversity in the areas within the authority’s housing estates. Improving the insulation of the homes of those most at risk of fuel poverty should be a priority.

Minor amendments

The Head of Housing explained that any amendments made to the Strategy were highlighted in the attached document. Committee members recommended the following changes:

·         Page 60 of the report should clarify whether the costs were in today’s money or net value terms.

·         Paragraph 21 should specifically refer to climate change.

·         Page 58 states that electric heating was more expensive than gas, which was no longer the case.

·         Bike storage should be considered.

Councillor Pippa Heylings stated that the Council needed to consider how the Strategy would help the authority to achieve net zero carbon emissions. It was unclear what the costs were to retrofit a home and whether the strategy needed be determined before the costs were known.

Stock Condition Survey

The Head of Housing explained that the Council should carry out a comprehensive Stock Condition Survey that would identify the housing needs of the District. The figures in the report were an estimate, whilst the Stock Condition Survey would provide accurate figures. The Stock Condition Survey would determine whether it was more efficient to renovate a home or rebuilt it.

The Committee Recommended that Cabinet agree the Strategy, with the amendments highlighted in the report and consideration of:

·         Promoting biodiversity in the surrounding estates.

·         Take into account the impact both mental and physical of fuel poverty.

·         That the climate implications mentioned in page 10 of the report could be expanded on.

·         Apprenticeships and training hub should be considered.