Issue - meetings

Purpose of Report

To update the Executive and seek comments on the Local Authority Delivery (LAD) element of the Green Homes Grant scheme phase 1 (LAD 1).  To request approval, subject to a successful application, for delegated authority for the City Solicitor and Chief Finance Officer to accept the offer of funding, sign the Memorandum Understanding, proceed with implementation of the LAD2 scheme and to include the project in the General Investment Programme.

Decision

(1)         That, subject to the approval of proposed delivery profile by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, authority be delegated to the City Solicitor and to the Chief Finance Officer to accept the offer of funding for the Green Homes Local Authority Scheme – Phase 2; to sign the Memorandum Understanding; and to proceed with its implementation.

(2)         That, subject to (1) above, authority be delegated to the Chief Finance Officer to include the final scheme cost in the General Investment Programme (to be fully funded by external grant).

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None.

Reasons for the Decision

On 26 June 2021, the Executive had approved the Council's acceptance of £479,600 in capital funding to retrofit up to 40 energy inefficient homes in Lincoln, where households had been identified to be living in fuel poverty.  The Council had confirmed a contract to deliver the Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Scheme Phase 1, which was due to be completed by March 2022. 

In August 2021, the Council was invited to submit a funding application for the Sustainable Warmth Fund (LAD 2) for funding to extend the scheme until March 2023.  The Council was awaiting the outcome of the bid. However, owing to the limited timeframe to accept any offer of funding, a delegation to the City Solicitor and the Chief Finance Officer to accept the offer of funding.  The Council had submitted an expression of interest for £2.8 million funding to enable retrofit works to be undertaken on a further 300 homes.  Total funding of £3,432,262 had been allocated to the City of Lincoln, of which £514,622 would be spent on capitalisation costs (to cover administration, employee, ancillary costs) and £2,917,640 would be allocated for energy efficiency measures.  The Council had developed a delivery profile to target 300 homes with an upgrade to their energy efficiency rating.  A total of 2,153 of the Council's properties had an energy rating of D or below, and work was in hand identifying properties most in need.