Agenda item - HRA Energy Strategy

29.1    The Home Energy Efficiency Project Manager introduced the report and highlighted the following:

·         The summary of the full strategy would be released with the Housing & New Homes Committee agenda on 9 January 2018 and be discussed at the Committee on 17 January 2018.

·         The Asset Management Strategy would endeavour to secure the best value for money and be energy efficient. There would be further research into lower tariff costs and energy efficient products to support tenants.

·         There had been ongoing consultation with residents and the Home Energy Efficiency Project Manager had attended Service Improvement Groups and had held focus groups. The Area Housing Panels were part of the consultation too.

·         All of the Councillors had seen an early draft version of the report.

29.2    In response to queries raised by the Board the Officers present clarified the following:

·         The contract between Brighton & Hove City Council and Mears would end in 2020 and the planning of the re-procurement had started. Plans regarding this would be released by the end of January 2018.

·         Solar panels would be an option that would be looked at.

·         A specific report for the Area Housing Panels should have been written; however, due to time constraints a draft version of the Housing & New Homes Committee report had to be presented. It was explained that the appendices could not be published before 9 January 2018; however, the residents would be sent a link to the full report once published.

·         Leaseholders would not be charged for improvements made on the building but would be charged for any maintenance fees. Leaseholders would be consulted and it was recommended that any queries should be raised at the Leaseholders Action Group (LAG).

·         Residents could raise concerns regarding the strategy directly to the report author or the Chair of the Area Housing Panel and these will be raised at the Housing & New Homes Committee.

29.3    The Chair recommended a full report regarding fuel poverty should be presented at the West Hove & Portslade Area Housing Panel due to the concerns raised by the residents during the discussion of the report.

29.4    RESOLVED – That the Panel agreed for a future report regarding fuel poverty.

29.5    RESOLVED – That the Panel agreed to note the report.