Issue - meetings

The Cabinet considered a report on an offer of funding of £40,000 from Worcestershire County Council specifically for the purpose of installing free cavity wall, draught proofing and loft installation measures for homeowners within the Bromsgrove District aged 60 years or over. It was a requirement that the funding be utilised by 31st December 2012 and be promoted under the Warmer Worcestershire branding.

Members queried whether the funding had been “top sliced” by the County Council and the Portfolio Holder undertook to investigate this. In addition there was discussion on whether preference could be given to utilising contractors from within the Bromsgrove District to undertake the work.  It was reported that whilst Contracts would need to be awarded in accordance with the Council’s Procurement Procedures, it would be reasonable to request officers to review the procedures with a view to increasing the weight given to local suppliers where appropriate.

RECOMMENDED   that the funding of £40,000 from Worcestershire County Council be incorporated into this Council’s “Energy Efficiency Grants Home Insulation Projects” budget and that the Capital Programme be amended accordingly. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       that the Head of Community Services be authorised to formally accept and account for the expenditure of the Worcestershire County Council “Home Energy Efficiency Improvements” funding offer of £40,000 and associated funding conditions;

(b)       that applications be invited from homeowners within the District aged 60 or over for the installation of loft and/or cavity wall insulation and draught-proofing measures installed in their homes free of charge; and

(c)        that the Head of Community Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Housing, be authorised (i) to expend up to the sum approved by the Council, for the purposes indicated in the report; and (ii) to utilise such funding remaining at 1st April 2012 to extend the insulation to offer to any resident of the District irrespective of age or status, or for other Home Energy Efficiency initiatives subject to the agreement of Worcestershire County Council; and

(d)       that officers be requested to review the Council’s Procurement Procedures with a view to increasing the weight given to local suppliers where appropriate.