Issue - meetings

To present the five year council housing asset management strategy.

This report was considered by the Scrutiny Commission at its meeting on 31 March. The minutes of that meeting are attached at item 9.

Consideration was given to the council housing asset management strategy. During discussion, the following points were made:

·         Alternative solutions to gas boilers would be investigated in future

·         Energy efficiency would be a priority, including ensuring double glazing was in good condition

·         A tenants conference was planned for September, to which councillors would be invited.

It was moved by Councillor M Mullaney, seconded by Councillor Bray and

RESOLVED – the council housing asset management strategy be approved and the action plan noted.

To present the council’s five year council housing asset management strategy.

Consideration was given to the housing asset management strategy. It was noted that this would sit alongside the investment strategy which would be brought to a future meeting. During discussion, reference was made to:

·         The cost of getting housing to the EPC C rating, particularly in relation to insulation

·         Installation of electric vehicle charging points

·         External cladding of properties, which whilst not attractive, was the best way of insulating some houses without cavity walls

·         The costs of running and maintaining air source heat pumps and delays in obtaining replacement parts, meaning that residents were without heating and hot water for longer periods of time

·         The possibility of installing solar panels on council properties

·         The hope that the decent homes standard would soon be extended to the private rented sector.

In relation to energy efficiency, it was hoped that the decarbonisation fund would be available later in 2022 and officers would ensure they were ready to take advantage of funding opportunities when they became available. A member asked whether rent increases would be considered to cover costs of energy saving measures which would lower costs to residents in the longer term. In response, it was stated that rent increases were not planned and residents were provided with support where necessary. It was noted that a report would be brought to the Scrutiny Commission on the cost of living crisis and its impact on residents which would look at areas where the council could help.