Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval to proceed with a project to install energy efficient heating to replace the existing outdated and inefficient system in the Council owned blocks of flats known as The Oaks and Pharamond.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To approve adding the New Low Carbon, Energy Efficient Heating for Oaks and Pharamond housing to the Capital Programme.

(2)       To note that the budget of £3,150,911 would be funded by £1,082,353 Warm Homes Social Housing Fund grant and £2,068,558 Carbon Offset Fund.

(3)       To authorise the Director of Housing Services to enter the necessary procurements to deliver the scheme including a works contractor and a technical consultant.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 20 October 25

Councillor Donnelly-Jackson (as Cabinet Member for Housing) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Resident and Housing Services seeking approval to proceed with a project to install energy efficient heating to replace the existing system in the Council owned blocks of flats known as The Oaks and Pharamond, funded utilising a combination of The Warm Homes Social Housing Fund (WHSHF), previously known as the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, and a co-funding allocation from the Council’s Carbon Offset Fund.

In introducing the report, Councillor Donnelly-Jackson advised members that the proposals outlined involved a £3.15m retrofit to replace the current oil, gas and electric systems at The Oaks and Pharamond with ground-source heat pumps and improved insulation.  Highlighting the climate emergency as one of the biggest challenges faced by current and future generations, members noted that the scheme represented a practically and local example, involving the Council’s own housing stock, of the contribution that could be made including the cutting of 6,000 tonnes of CO?e over the schemes lifetime whilst also providing warmer homes and lower energy bills.  In terms of the borough overall, it was noted this would also provide a measurable reduction in emissions and move the Council a step closer to its 2030 net-zero target.  The investment in sustainable technology, which members were reminded would include a combination of national Warm Homes Social Housing funding supported by Brent’s Carbon Offset Fund would also, it was pointed out, support the Council in not only reducing carbon but also future proofing its housing stock and supporting local green jobs.

In noting the timescales for delivery, as detailed within section 5.2 of the report, and expressing support for the scheme, members were keen to recognise the contribution being made to the Council’s overall Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy as well as Brent’s growing green-skills sector.  The use of the Council’s Carbon Offset Fund was also welcomed in contributing towards the overall viability of the scheme, with the opportunity taken to thank officer for their stewardship of the Fund.

In support of the way in which the scheme would contribute as part of the Council’s ongoing commitment towards a fair green transition, Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To approve adding the New Low Carbon, Energy Efficient Heating for Oaks and Pharamond housing to the Capital Programme.

(2)       To note that the budget of £3,150,911 would be funded by £1,082,353 Warm Homes Social Housing Fund grant and £2,068,558 Carbon Offset Fund.

(3)       To authorise the Director of Housing Services to enter the necessary procurements to deliver the scheme including a works contractor and a technical consultant.