Decision Maker: Housing Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: April 24, 2025

Purpose:

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.