Issue - items at meetings - Home Energy Efficiency Investment Options - Green Deal / Energy Company Obligation

Report of the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached).

(1)               That the progress of the West Sussex County Council led procurement of a Delivery Partner under the Sussex Energy Saving Programme be noted;

(2)               That delegated authority be granted to the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing, in consultation with Executive Director for Finance & Resources (and subject to legal advice regarding the details of the membership agreement) to enter into Affiliate membership of the Sussex Energy Saving Partnership SPV.

80.1         The Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing introduced the report which detailed the proposed establishment of the Sussex Energy Saving Partnership by West Sussex County Council and the recommendation that the Council become an Affiliate Member of the Partnership.  He stated that a number of neighbouring authorities were involved in the project and that it provided an opportunity for the council to take advantage of the Green Deal & Energy Company Obligation and to meet corporate objectives.  The Partnership would work with Carillion Energy as the over-arcing delivery provider but the agreement would enable local businesses to be involved and thereby gain from the process.

80.2         The Chair welcomed the report and noted that it provided a good example of partnership working both with public sector and private sector bodies.  There were some reservations however overall he felt that it was an opportunity for the council to take advantage of the scheme and to benefit residents.

80.3         Councillor A. Norman stated that there were concerns about the Green Deal programme but she hoped that take up would increase and the benefits recognised.

80.4         Councillor Morgan echoed the concerns and noted that another consortium had been formed in Southampton and the take up had been low, although it had targeted lower income families and he questioned whether there was sufficient incentive for private landlords to get involved.

80.5         The Chair stated that officers had discussed the Southampton scheme which was different to Green Deal and noted that West Sussex County Council had taken the lead and invested over £2m into the scheme.  He also noted that whilst the council would be an affiliate member it did not preclude the council from exploring other options.

80.6         The Chair noted the comments and put the recommendations to the vote.

80.7         RESOLVED:

(1)               That the progress of the West Sussex County Council led procurement of a Delivery Partner under the Sussex Energy Saving Programme be noted;

(2)               That delegated authority be granted to the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing, in consultation with Executive Director for Finance & Resources (and subject to legal advice regarding the details of the membership agreement) to enter into Affiliate membership of the Sussex Energy Saving Partnership SPV.