Agenda item

Presentation by Assistant Director – Housing and Revenue

The Assistant Director, Housing and Revenue submitted a presentation (previously circulated) updating Members on the Climate Change Strategy 2024-2029.

The presentation outlined the aims of the strategy and details were provided of the actions taken in 2025/26 in relation to retrofit. Members noted that £1.36m funding was secured from the government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund wave 2.1; that this money had been used, alongside the Council’s matched contribution to roll out retrofit works to 119 homes; and this work was completed in August 2025. Details were provided of the energy efficiency measures applied.

It was reported that further funding was awarded under the government’s Warm Homes Social Housing Fund and the Council secured over £3.5m funding which would be supported by DBC matched funding of over £11.6m and this would see 680 homes upgraded with works such as external wall insulation, cavity wall insulation, door and window upgrades and roof extensions as required. Members were informed that a further bid was being submitted for an additional £1.5m funding from the Warm Homes social Fund to upgrade a further 200 properties.

Members noted that almost 3000 new Stock Condition surveys and EPC’s had been commissioned, providing a clear picture and further insight into which homes are performing well and which require further energy work interventions. It was reported that there had been an increase in 240 properties reaching EPC C.

The presentation also provided details of actions taken in 2025/26 in relation to new build homes. Members were advised that new builds were built to a standard of EPC B; that solar photovoltaics and air source heat pumps were included as standard; and electric vehicle chargers would be installed in line with new building regulations.

Details were provided of the planned and responsive maintenance and in relation to EPC’s Members were advised that 55 per cent of council properties now had an EPC C or above; that there had been an increase of 240 homes having reached EPC C or above from January 2025 to January 2025 and roughly 1000 homes had a high scoring EPC D and required minor works to obtain an EPC rating of C. Details were also provided of the plans for 2026/27 and key areas of focus for the future.

Following a query, Members were assured that air source heat pumps worked well and engagement was being undertaken with tenants to ensure that the technology was understood and being used correctly. Members also questioned whether the air source heat pumps had helped to reduce tenants’ energy bills.

Members noted the process in place to inspect work undertaken by contractors; and Members were informed that the council has worked closely with contractors to ensure they had the capacity to deliver the upgrade work for the additional 200 properties.

Members sought clarification regarding the four new build properties that were 1 point short of achieving an EPC A rating.

Further discussion ensued regarding the rolling programme of work and how this was prioritised; and Members sought clarification regarding the communal EV chargers.

RESOLVED – That the presentation be noted.