Type of Local Authority
Unitary Authority
Name and contact details of officer submitting the report
Miles Davidson, Housing Sustainability & Affordable Warmth Manager.
Send an email to miles.davidson@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
Unitary Authority
Miles Davidson, Housing Sustainability & Affordable Warmth Manager.
Send an email to miles.davidson@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
The current HRA Energy Strategy was approved in 2018, since this time we have declared a Climate Emergency and an ambition for the city to be Carbon Neutral by 2030. In response to the increased ambition to reduce carbon emissions from the city’s housing stock a report and outline strategic action plan were agreed at our Housing Committee in January 2021
We:
Capital investment in our own housing stock will be funded by our HRA Capital investment programme, we anticipate the cost of the solar PV programme to be approx. £3.5M, other costs for investments to be confirmed.
We work with a range of local partners including Brighton & Hove Energy Services Cooperative, Brighton & Hove CAB, Money Advice Plus, National Energy Action and Brighton Peace and Environment Centre.
The above schemes are aimed at reducing carbon emissions however we are equally focussed on tackling fuel poverty through a programme of energy efficiency improvements and reducing the health impacts of cold homes. We also see the opportunity presented to support local supply chains, job creation and skills development. We are working with local further education providers to support this area of work.
In addition to signposting on the council website we have an annual ‘Warmth for Wellbeing’ programme that offers advice on energy saving and bills to vulnerable householders throughout each winter. This is provided through local partners. In addition to this we participate in the LEAP programme and have resources within our HRA Tenancy Sustainment Team who offer energy saving and bill saving advice to council tenants.
Do you have any plans to develop policies or initiatives in this space over the next 5 years as part of supporting your local decarbonisation efforts?
We are working with, and support the work of, a number of partner organisations to develop the supply chain, support local jobs and skills development;
Yes
Private Sector Housing - send an email to PSH@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
In the past a lack of additional resource to work with landlords and enforce the standards has been a barrier, we are awaiting the outcome of the current consultation on standards and support around enforcement before developing our approach going forward. Landlords are engaged with around energy efficiency and thermal comfort through existing interventions including requests for assistance from tenants and HMO licensing schemes.
Not currently, we have carried out analysis of EPC data across the city however we are awaiting the outcome of the current consultation before confirming our approach to future work with landlords including the potential for enforcement.
What future investment for energy efficiency or low carbon heat measures do you have planned, and when are these investments planned for?
As previously referenced a solar PV Programme on up to 1000 homes was agreed in 2020, funding for this estimated at approximately £3.5 million will be included in HRA capital budget planning for 2021 to 2023.
Funding for heating and hot water improvements, energy efficiency and renewables is allocated within HRA capital budgets for each year, specific details of the investment are being worked up. We are committed to developing more detailed and costed retrofit programmes throughout 2021.
Investment in the private sector has been identified, how this is distributed is to be confirmed.
Yes, find information on our Fuel Poverty Strategy, however this will be reviewed in light of recent changes to national strategy
The majority of identification of fuel poor households through our local Warmth for Wellbeing project and the LEAP programme has been through working with local partners either through existing networks and client groups or via outreach work. For example Brighton & Hove Energy Services Cooperative have held regular helpdesks and events across the city in public spaces or targeted for example at food banks.
Addressing fuel poverty and the health impacts of cold homes will be integral to our overall carbon reduction strategy, we acknowledge the tension that can sometimes exist between the two areas, for example the move away from gas as the main energy source for heating and hot water to potentially more expensive electricity supply.
The nature of the local housing stock being older and harder to treat than national averages and the large private rented sector creates barriers to improving homes and addressing fuel poverty.
Covered elsewhere in the report. We work with a strong network of local agencies and have a multi-agency Fuel Poverty and Affordable Warmth Steering group that meets regularly to work towards the goals set out in the local strategy. Brighton & Hove Energy Services Cooperative, NEA and Brighton & Hove CAB are permanent member of the steering group alongside BBHCC Housing and Public Health.
No
We include brief advice on smart meters on our website and signpost residents to further support and advice.
We will install smart meters in void properties where the meter is in need to replacement.