Content

11.1.1

The Warm Homes Local Grant (WH:LG) initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions,
enhance residents’ health and wellbeing, and improve access
to affordable warmth. The Department for Energy Security & Net
Zero has awarded a grant of £3,406,008.00 to support this
initiative. The WH:LG scheme will be
implemented over a three-year period (2025-2028) with the primary
objective of improving energy efficiency in approximately 221
private homes.

 

 

11.1.2

The committee considered a report of the Executive
Director Neighbourhood Services regarding the administration of the
WH:LG to ensure effective implementation
and optimal use of the funding.

 

 

11.2

RESOLVED: That
the Housing Policy Committee:-

 

a)   
approves that the Warm Homes Local Grant
(WH:LG) be administered in accordance
with the scheme's eligibility criteria. This approach ensures that
the scheme remains accessible and effectively delivers support to
those most in need. By adopting this approach, the committee
ensures an efficient allocation of funds while making meaningful
progress towards reducing fuel poverty and achieving
decarbonisation goals.

b)   
approves that the Private Sector Housing Assistance
Policy be amended to include the Warm Homes Local Grant, as
detailed in this report and set out in the amended appendix A to
the report.  Delegated authority is
given to the Director of Housing  to review the eligibility criteria and if
deemed appropriate the Director of Housing has the authority to
either reduce the saving cap for eligible households from 50k or
not amend the eligibility criteria as laid down in the guidance
Warm Homes Local Grant Guidance to ensure the grants are
administered as required by government guidelines.

c)   
approves that the Green Homes Grant in the Private
Sector Housing Assistance Policy is removed as this will now be
replaced by the Warm Homes Local Grant.

d)   
endorses the approach that applications from
owner-occupiers and private tenants (with landlord consent) will be
treated equally, provided that landlords
meet the required subsidy compliance obligations.

 

 

 

11.3

Reasons for Decision

11.3.1

Committee approval is required, to authorise the
allocation of grant funding for the delivery of financial support
to approximately 221 homes. The total value of this grant
distribution amounts to £3,406,008. This approval ensures
compliance with established policy guidelines while facilitating
the efficient and equitable disbursement of funds to eligible
recipients

 

 

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

11.4.1

Targeted Allocation by Criteria

 

Funds are allocated based on specific demographics,
locations, or sectors. While this ensures targeted support, it may
exclude those in need who don’t meet rigid
criteria.

 

 

11.4.2

Competitive Application Process

 

Funds are awarded based on merit or need. This
method ensures funding is awarded to the most compelling cases;
however, it introduces subjectivity and delay into the
decision-making process. There may also be scope for challenge
concerning how competing applications are assessed.

 

 

11.4.3

Risk Considerations

 

Further narrowing the eligibility focus could introduce risks to
scheme delivery, including:

·      
Limited Take-Up: Restricting access too narrowly may result
in fewer applications than anticipated, leading to underutilisation
of funds potential inefficiencies and a protracted roll-out period
delaying the scheme’s impact.

·      
Administrative Challenges: A highly specific eligibility
framework could create additional administrative burdens in
verifying applications, increasing processing times and delaying
fund disbursement. These burdens would also increase operational
costs.

·      
Legal and Reputational Risks: Excluding certain eligible
groups based on rigid criteria could lead to challenges regarding
fairness and discrimination, potentially resulting in reputational
damage, significant delay and legal costs.