Decision details

Councillor Sam Casey-Rerhaye introduced the report from the Joint Retrofitting Homes task and finish group.

Councillor Casey-Rerhaye briefly explained the methodology for why this report was created.

There was concern that the green homes grant from central government wasn’t working well, and a task and finish group was set up to investigate why, and how the district councils can utilise such schemes more productively.

The green homes grant was shortly withdrawn. We looked at retrofitting homes in particular to save carbon emissions and running costs for homes. We have had very informative discussions with interested parties, such as OxLEP. We propose projects in the report for council to consider. We ask scrutiny if we should take it through CEAC/CEEAC, and what next steps should we take?

Chair recommended that officers comment on the report, then pass it onto CEAC/CEEAC and then onto Cabinet.

Members felt that it should go to CEAC/CEEAC.

A member raised funding is an issue. The proposals require money. Chair felt that this was why officers should look at the report to find ways forward.

The report mentioned that 3,000 homes needed to be retrofitted a year by 2030. This was ambitious but in line with previous recommendations and in line with South Oxfordshire’s targets (when the group became a joint project). It was explained that it was not just funding, but the skill set to complete the works and the desire for construction parties to get involved, staff and resource implications. The report outlined these barriers so we can be prepared for when more funding becomes available.

Officers will be able to give realistic expectations when reviewing the report, prior to moving onto CEAC/CEEAC.

Resolved:

To send the Retrofitting homes report to officers for review, before sending to CEAC/CEEAC, who can advise Cabinet on next steps.