Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, introduced the report and Paul Patterson, Corporate Director of Housing & Regeneration, Michael Killeen, Director of Asset Management, and Darren Cruise, Head of Asset & Compliance, presented details on how the council will retrofit housing to meet climate net zero targets.

Councillor Kabir Ahmed discussed how the councils capital investment programme will ensure effective building safety and compliance, as the borough has a high number of estate buildings requiring substantial fire safety improvements due to the age and height of some buildings, particularly ones over 18 metres. Over the next five years the ‘Fabric First’ approach will be utilised in retro fitting properties, to ensure energy efficiency and remediation of outdated communal heating systems and damp and mould issues.

The sub-committee were informed that around £85 million will be invested incrementally with  £23 million for the next financial year, £28 million  for 2025 to 2026 and £34 million for 2026 to 2027. Funding opportunities are also being considered for capital investment as well as heating controls and heat network to reduce carbon emissions. Borough residents will also be advised on ways to  improve energy consumption within the home.

Paul Patterson noted that THH major works programme focused on energy efficiency improvements, using the fabric first approach. Further collaboration with the Greater London Authority (GLA) and London Councils regarding fire safety, compliance and damp and mould remediations and the climate programme will continue. The all-encompassing housing strategy is in line with HRA’s financial business plan.

Further to  questions from the sub-committee, Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Paul Patterson and Gulam Hussain, Head of Regulatory Assurance;

·       Clarified that the Risk Team are currently identifying properties for damp, mould and energy efficiency improvements within existing heating systems using a risk assessment matrix. Once assessments have concluded, further delivery programs will be implemented in the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).

·       Explained that a holistic approach will be taken with reducing carbon emissions and further opportunities will be sourced for additional funds. There are plans to demonstrate evidence of carbon reduction with surveys on heating systems, as well as remediation works on windows and roofs, which can be measured and submitted to the ‘Better Homes’ programme.

·       Confirmed that adhering to the regulations is a priority, although reaching the net zero target by 2045 is a council aspiration, since other boroughs cannot achieve those objectives.

·       Explained the long-term plans for replacing heat networks and energy efficiency by adhering to the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 2035 for retrofitting. There are opportunities for heat zoning in designated areas, to provide low carbon emission options, as the borough has several data centres.

·       Observed that some of the replacement heating systems are complex and engaging with residents on how to use them is crucial so they are aware of how they can reduce energy consumption. The installations must be user friendly.

·       Clarified that contracts for the capital investment programme are currently up for renewal. A series of surveys are ongoing to analyse the integrity of the buildings prior to sourcing products and contractors required for specialist works.

RESOLVED that;

1.    Details on further delivery programs and costings to be brought back to the sub-committee once assessments have concluded.

2.    The report be noted.