Issue - meetings

1.  That the support of the Committee be given to the production of an Affordable Energy Strategy;

2.  That actions 1.22 and 2.28 as detailed in the Affordable Energy Action Plan be undertaken and resourced alongside the non-financial based actions.  Should further funding be identified, a report should be brought back to the Committee for its consideration; and

3.  That delegated authority be given to the Head of Housing and Community Services to allocate the £50,000 in the existing capital home improvement budget to relevant funding opportunities that are aligned with this strategy as they arise.

Helen Miller, Expenditure Project Officer, introduced the Affordable Energy Strategy report and Action Plan.  It was explained that approximately 5000 households in the borough were affected by fuel poverty.  These households were likely to either under heat their home or fall into debt due to high bills. The negative impact on health and the long term impact on children’s educational attainment was explained.  Reducing fuel poverty was a key object for reducing health inequalities.

In response to member’s questions the Committee was informed that levels of fuel poverty varied across the borough from 2.2% to 15.2%.  It was explained that in urban areas there was a correlation between fuel poverty and high levels of poverty.  In rural areas fuel poverty was linked to older, less energy efficient homes with no access to mains gas which was the cheapest fuel. Fuel Poverty was less likely in Social Housing and more commonly found in the Private Rented sector.

The Committee endorsed action 1.22 and 2.28 from the Affordable Energy Action Plan, put forward as preferred options by the officer.  It requested that, should further funding be identified, a report be brought back to Committee for its consideration.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the support of the Committee be given to the production of an Affordable Energy Strategy;

  Voting:  9 – For  0 – Against  0 – Abstentions

2.  That actions 1.22 and 2.28 as detailed in the Affordable Energy Action Plan be undertaken and resourced alongside the non-financial based actions.  Should further funding be identified, a report should be brought back to the Committee for its consideration; and

  Voting:  7 – For  0 – Against  2 – Abstentions

3.  That delegated authority be given to the Head of Housing and Community Services to allocate the £50,000 in the existing capital home improvement budget to relevant funding opportunities that are aligned with this strategy as they arise.

  Voting:  9 – For  0 – Against  0 – Abstentions