Issue - meetings

The Committee heard from the Senior Homes, Health and Wellbeing Officer regarding a report seeking to provide a comprehensive overview of the Local Energy Advice Demonstrator (LEAD) grant application, the funding of £304,000 awarded, and the proposed new energy advice service to be established as a result. It was explained that the funding would be used to employ dedicated advisors to provide advice and support to people living in hard-to-modify homes, and to increase uptake of other government funding initiatives, such as the Great British Insulation Scheme, Home Upgrade Grant, Energy Company Obligation and Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Access to energy efficiency information on the Council website was demonstrated for Members, following requests for the information to be easily accessible, with further details provided as to how the proposed dedicated advisors would work with other organisations as well to maximise their reach.

The Chairman thanked the Senior Homes, Health and Wellbeing Officer for her presentation of the scheme, and highlighted how valuable the service would be. Members of the Committee were equally supportive of the proposals.

Concerns were raised regarding how best to work with those who might not otherwise be aware of such schemes, for example those who do not use the internet or actively search for such information. This difficulty was recognised and the cross-agency working was highlighted with a view to both making contact with those most vulnerable and in need, whilst also avoiding duplicating work already undertaken by others, for example, ‘Better Housing, Better Health’. It was reiterated that this would be dedicated resource to access those people who might not otherwise gain assistance.

In response to questions from Members, it was explained that the administration role within the proposal was expected to also assist with funding applications, as that could prove difficult for some. Additionally, the restrictions of working across such a large geographical area were recognised, however that would be managed by engaging with other agencies. Members were reassured there would be associated performance measures and Officers would be reviewing the success of the scheme.

With Members of the Committee extending their thanks to Officers involved and vocalising their support, the paper was duly moved, seconded, and put to the vote. Unanimously, it was

            RESOLVED that:

a)    the receipt of £304,000 of funding to deliver the Local Energy Advice via the Demonstrator Scheme in Central and South Lincolnshire, be noted; and

b)    approval be given to enter into a Service Level Agreement with North Kesteven District Council for the delivery of the scheme and receipt of funding; and

c)    the following fixed-term roles be approved and recruited to following completion of the Service level Agreement as detailed above:  

                                                      i.        1 x Home Energy Advice Manager

                                                    ii.        2 x Home Energy Advisors

                                                   iii.        1 x Administrative Support Officer