Agenda item - Update on Fuel Poverty & Affordable Warmth Support and Measures Available and Planned

Report of the Executive Director, Health & Adult Social Care (copy attached)

RESOLVED – that the Board notes the update on Fuel Poverty & Affordable Warmth.

7.1       This item was presented by Sarah Podmore, Health Promotion Specialist (Public Health); and by Miles Davidson, Sustainability and Energy Manager (Housing). Ms Podmore explained to the Board the work of the steering group and engagement with community & voluntary sector organisations.

7.2       Cllr Robins noted that homes were rated in terms of energy efficiency, but queried how easy it was for residents to access this information. Mr Davidson replied that whenever a home is sold or rented, an Energy Performance Certificate is required. This means that many, although not all, home sin the city have certification already.

7.3       In response to a question from Cllr Robins on older people at risk of hypothermia, Ms Podmore confirmed that older people are a priority for fuel poverty work and will be a focus of the upcoming Equality Impact Assessment.

7.4       Cllr Robins noted that some measures to insulate or retain heat in a home could lead to increased condensation and the risk of damp. Mr Davidson agreed that this was an issue, and it was important that works should be undertaken with care and following a proper survey. Advice to residents recognises that there is a balance to be struck between minimising condensation (e.g. by opening windows) and retaining heat in the home; so for instance people may be recommended not to air their homes when they have heating on.

7.5       In response to a question from the Chair on the energy efficiency of council-owned housing stock, Mr Davidson told members that the average for council housing was currently just below C. There are plans to improve this rating in order to reduce carbon emissions and to help residents with their fuel consumption.

7.6       Cllr Hugh-Jones asked for details of the LAD (Local Authority Delivery) Scheme 3. Mr Davidson responded that the scheme has only recently been launched and all the details are not yet available. There is £30M available across a number of local authority areas, and eligibility criteria will include household income and the property energy efficiency rating.

7.7       Tom Lambert asked whether the council was confident that it would be able to allocate all of our Household Support Fund (HSF) monies, particularly given the requirement to target a percentage of the funding to people of pensionable age. Ms Podmore told the Board that colleagues in BHCC Revenues & Benefits had confirmed that plans are in place to allocate all the HSF.

7.8       RESOLVED – that the Board notes the update on Fuel Poverty & Affordable Warmth.