Issue - meetings

The domestic housing sector represents 41% of Bath & North East Somerset’s carbon footprint.  Latest fuel poverty statistics show that 17% of the population are currently suffering from fuel poverty and the Council wants to play a leading role to ensure that maximum benefit is gained from Green Deal delivery for local residents – particularly the vulnerable – the local economy and carbon reduction.

Peter Duppa-Miller made an ad hoc statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 5 and on the Council's website] .

Councillor Paul Crossley in proposing the item, said that the report was excellent and that its proposals would facilitate many initiatives to end fuel poverty. He reported that he had just written to the End Fuel Poverty campaign, and noted the existence of several organisations in the South West focussed on fuel poverty.

Councillor Bellotti seconded the proposal and agreed that it was an excellent report. A number of concerns remained, in particular the difficulties faced by those on the lowest incomes, but the proposals would help many people to benefit from reduced fuel bills. He noted that a report relating to retrofitting listed buildings would be presented to a future Cabinet.

Councillor Beath welcomed the report. She thought some parts of the proposals would need further work, but they were certainly moving in the right direction. She noted the diversity of housing in Bath, from Grade 1 listed downwards.

Councillor Symonds said these were truly win, win, win proposals. Retrofitting would help householders, create new jobs and reduce carbon emissions.

On a motion from Councillor Paul Crossley, seconded by Councillor Bellotti, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To AGREE in principle, the proposed approach to the Green Deal in Bath & North East Somerset, through the development of a Community Delivery Partnership, initially led by the Council in partnership with Curo Group and other relevant community and private sector organisations;

(2) To AGREE that this approach will be supported through:

•  partnership development, including cross-service and with partners in Bath and North East Somerset and, potentially, beyond;

•  implementation of the starter projects (Housing Services);

•  procurement strategy development for a partner Green Deal provider or providers;

•  exploring potential for moving to a CIC model;

•  development of the business case for potential capital investment and income generation (including from referral fees);

•  building community engagement in energy efficiency retro-fitting;

•  setting up an advice line to provide advice to all residents, including the vulnerable and the fuel poor, on home energy efficiency and the Green Deal;

(3) To AGREE that a new Green Deal/Retro-fitting budget line for 2013-14 will be set up for £35,000 to cover the last two points in 2.2: community engagement work and the setting up and running of the advice line, whilst the detailed approach is developed, subject to the approval of the Budget by the Council in February 2013; and

(4) To AGREE that the Council and its partners will communicate these ‘in principle’ intentions early in 2013, in order to send a signal to the market and to inform local residents of future options.