Decision details

The Cabinet will be asked to approve proposals for a two-year partnership arrangement with British Gas, under the Government’s Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) scheme, for the delivery of a circa £19.5m package of energy efficiency measures to the Council’s flatted estates across the Borough, initially via a pilot project on the Becontree Heath estate, and for officers to explore with British Gas the potential for extending the scheme to vulnerable private sector households.

The Cabinet Member for Housing introduced a report on the opportunity for the Council to benefit from approximately £35m of funding under the Government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme via a partnership with British Gas plc.

The project would involve energy efficiency works, such as cavity wall, loft and solid wall insulation and the installation of modern district heating systems, to approximately 7,900 flats throughout the Borough in the period up to 30 March 2015, as well as other initiatives aimed at vulnerable private sector residents and owner occupiers, all at no direct cost to the Council. 

Cabinet resolved:

(i)  That the Council enter into a partnership arrangement with British Gas plc under which the company shall unlock ECO finance and undertake energy efficiency works to Council housing stock and other property, deliver improved heating and insulation in high-rise and medium-rise flatted accommodation, as well as accessing additional funding streams for vulnerable private sector homes;

(ii)  To delegate authority to the Divisional Director of Housing Strategy, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, to negotiate and agree the terms and conditions of the agreement with British Gas plc;

(iii)  To delegate authority to the Divisional Director of Housing Strategy to approve the implementation and delivery of district heating networks, subject to local consultation and a feasible business case; and

(iv)  To delegate authority to the Divisional Director of Housing Strategy to approve the implementation and delivery of a supporting fuel poverty project for 2014 and 2015, whereby the Council shall work with British Gas plc to advise residents on alleviating fuel poverty, promoting income maximisation, encouraging behaviour cultural change and supporting the take up of the Green Deal among owner occupiers.