Issue - items at meetings - Solar PV programme for HRA Housing stock

Resolved: That Housing Committee:

2.1      Delegates authority to the Executive Director, Housing Neighbourhoods & Communities to take all steps necessary to:

2.1.1   procure and award a contract for the installation of a minimum of 500 and a maximum of 1000 domestic solar PV arrays for the period 2020-2023, the budget for the first 500 to be allocated as set out in 2.2. below, with the additional 500 to be commissioned subject to grid and contractor capacity as referred to in paragraphs 4.18-4.20 below and to the necessary additional budget approval from Policy & Resources Committee;

2.1.2   increase this to at least 2500 installations by 2026 subject to further Committee approval of budget allocation and the constraints set out in paragraphs 4.18-4.20 in the report but mindful of the council having approximately 4000 domestic properties suitable for such arrays.

2.2     Recommends Policy & Resources Committee allocate the following additional budget to allow for the delivery of the initial 500 domestic solar PV arrays for the period 2020-23:

· 2021/22: £875k;

· 2022/23: £875k;

2.3      requests that a report covering the scope to expand the solar PV

programme be brought to Committee no later than the fourth quarter of 2021 i.e. ahead of 2022 Budget Council.

8.1      The Housing Sustainability & Affordable Warmth Manager introduced the report that seeks approval for the council to commence a new Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installation programme on domestic council houses, for the period 2020-2023. The proposed programme cost is £1.875m. An initial budget allocation of £100k was approved at Budget Council on 27 February 2020. This will be used to initiate the programme with the majority of installations to be carried out in the financial years 2021-22 and 2022-23 if approved. As part of the above budget allocation 1.2 full time equivalent (FTE) posts will be appointed in order to deliver the work to a high quality.

8.2      Councillor Atkinson expressed support for Solar Panels was informed that the installation would be alongside other energy efficient programmes.

8.3      The Chair of the Committee invited Councillor Hugh-Jones, the proposer of the amendments to the report recommendations, to address the Committee.

8.4      Councillor Hugh-Jones stated that the Council cutting emissions was good as this could be up to 300 tons per year. The Councillor felt the recommendations needed to go further quicker. Concerns were expressed regarding fuel poverty with talks to power networks being suggested. The increase in Green jobs was welcomed, especially as employment had been affected and jobs lost due to the Pandemic.

8.5      Councillor Fowler Seconded the amendment and welcomed the report. The Councillor felt this would add to the reduction of Carbon emissions by 2030.

8.6      Councillor Mears noted that this matter had been looked at 10 years. The Councillor thanked the proposer for the amendment to the recommendations and felt the proposed increases were good. The Councillor wanted to ensure that tenants costs were not increased as they did not rent the roof of each property. The Councillor supported the report.

8.7      Councillor Osborne noted that the Procurement Advisory Board had made comments on the report. The Councillor felt the demand needed to be created and driven forwards. Support from the Committee for the report and recommendations was requested.

8.8      Councillor Knight agreed with other Members and felt the scheme would be good for the Carbon reduction and Green jobs in the city. The Councillor expressed delight with the report.

8.9      Councillor Gibson welcomed the report and the proposed amendments to the recommendations. The Councillor felt that the scheme was good for the creation of Green jobs, good for the planet, good for people’s fuel bills and good from employment generally. The Councillor noted that Carbon reduction targets were very important.

8.10    The Assistant Housing Director noted that amendments to the recommendations had been seen by Finance and Legal teams.

8.11    The Chair put the proposed amendments to the recommendations to the vote and they were agreed unanimously. (Councillor Phillips was not able to cast a vote due to technical difficulties).

8.12    The Chair put the recommendations to the vote and they were agreed unanimously. (Councillor Phillips was not able to cast a vote due to technical difficulties).

Resolved: That Housing Committee:

2.1      Delegates authority to the Executive Director, Housing Neighbourhoods & Communities to take all steps necessary to:

2.1.1   procure and award a contract for the installation of a minimum of 500 and a maximum of 1000 domestic solar PV arrays for the period 2020-2023, the budget for the first 500 to be allocated as set out in 2.2. below, with the additional 500 to be commissioned subject to grid and contractor capacity as referred to in paragraphs 4.18-4.20 below and to the necessary additional budget approval from Policy & Resources Committee;

2.1.2   increase this to at least 2500 installations by 2026 subject to further Committee approval of budget allocation and the constraints set out in paragraphs 4.18-4.20 in the report but mindful of the council having approximately 4000 domestic properties suitable for such arrays.

2.2     Recommends Policy & Resources Committee allocate the following additional budget to allow for the delivery of the initial 500 domestic solar PV arrays for the period 2020-23:

· 2021/22: £875k;

· 2022/23: £875k;

2.3      Requests that a report covering the scope to expand the solar PV

programme be brought to Committee no later than the fourth quarter of 2021 i.e. ahead of 2022 Budget Council.