Agenda item

Members were provided with a presentation outlining the project.

The Homes as Power Stations project is one of nine city Deal projects, and is one of three regional projects, covering the four local authorities. The aim of the project is to facilitate the adoption of homes with integrated energy efficient design and renewable technologies, in both new build homes and existing stock.

The investment objectives include future proofing 10,300 homes, by increasing affordable warmth, reducing fuel poverty, improving health & wellbeing and delivering a sustainable, cost effective and holistic housing programme.

The various work streams were outlined to Members, including a financial incentives fund of £5.75m, a regional supply chain fund of £7m and a technical monitoring and evaluation contract of £1m. Further, whilst there is no budget attached, there is also a skills stream which will have the ability to install, maintain and repair technology.

Officers outlined the recommendations from the PAR (Project Assessment Review) which took place in July. The assessment team outlined a delivery/confidence assessment score of amber/red. There were six recommendations made in response to the review. In November, the review team came back to assess the actions undertaken in response to the recommendations. The review indicated an amber delivery/confidence assessment. Two of the recommendations remained a theme, with four being marked as actioned.

Members queried if the figures relating to the number of homes was realistic. Officers advised that the figures were provided by the local authorities involved and that they were taken from the Local Development Plans, so the figures have a formula behind them.

It was noted that jobs created as indicated in the dashboard relates to the total number of jobs created as a result of the project in its entirety and is not just specific to the team role.

Officers were unable to provide an exact figure for the number of houses that have been built or retrofitted as part of the project. This is currently part of the mapping process. Different local authorities are at different stages of their developments. It was confirmed by officers that the project itself does not build new homes, but facilities the fitting of the homes with the new technologies.

Officers outlined the importance of sharing information, good practice including any mistakes made, across the project. Including in both the public and private sector in terms of behavioural change. This will assist to fast forward the positive pace of change. It will ensure that the housing structure is upgraded and amended as quickly as possible to improve the quality of housing standards across the board and addressing fuel poverty.

Members queried if the current rise in inflation would affect the overall number of properties that can be developed through the project. Officers were unable to confirm this.

Officers acknowledged that it will take time to build up a skilled workforce that are able to contribute to fulfilling the aims of the project.

Officers confirmed that at this current time, due to increased overall costs, less was likely to be delivered for the same costs.

Members queried the correlation between the red warning identified on the risk assessment for underspend, and the rising construction costs. Officers confirmed the underspend delays deliverability. The consequence of this is that the authority will have to borrow less in order to deliver projects as they’re much further on then planned. This would be a positive effect. Officers advised that contracts can’t be committee too when constructions costs are uncertain.

Members requested a site visit to the homes to see how the work has been carried out.