Minutes:
The Chair opened Item 10 of the Agenda and invited the Scrutiny Officer to present their Report.
The Scrutiny Officer began by stating they had been picking up where the previous Chair had finished. They referred to the left-hand side table on Page 2 of the Evidence Summary which stated the objectives, and on the right was the evidence gathered. They reiterated this was only a draft and a snapshot of the data on BDC’s current Energy Policy.
The Scrutiny Officer highlighted Page 12 of BDC’s Carbon Reduction 2019-2030 Plan, which stated a need for a:
· Reduction in fuel poverty and improved energy affordability through energy efficiency improvements in the residential sector; and for,
· Cost savings and environmental improvement through energy efficiency and sustainable buildings and workplaces.
The Scrutiny Officer referred the Committee to the Private Sector Housing Strategy mentioned on Page 2 of the Evidence Summary, which stated the need for insulated homes and how previously BDC have undertaken a project to promote the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards by contacting Landlords with non-compliant EPCs rated on their properties.
The Scrutiny Officer then referred the Committee to 7.4 of the Evidence Summary, which stated:
Improving domestic energy efficiency would help BDC meet the zero carbon 2050 commitments made, reduce carbon emissions, and protect residents from harmful effects of climate change.
The Scrutiny Officer highlighted the Page 4 of the Evidence Summary for the Potential Recommendations.
The Housing Strategy and Development Officer noted that these scopes may have changed, as the UK National Government were currently bringing in new legislation. However, pressing Landlords to ensure their properties had EPC-C ratings had been shelved, resulting in BDC losing power to push for the intended measure.
The Housing Strategy and Development Officer informed the Committee that BDC was in the process of conducting a full survey of owned properties, and nationally there will be new consumer standards.
Nearly half of the properties BDC own were of EPC-C rating, with the slight majority not having EPC-C due to them expiring or being rated EPC-D and below. EPCs only lasted 10 years, and an EPC would not necessarily need to be done after this unless work was needed to be carried out on the property.
The Chair stated the likely need for a Landlord Liaison position, as well as grants for energy efficiency improvements.
The Housing Strategy and Development Officer pointed out this was their task, but it was wide-ranging. There were policies aimed at Landlords; i.e., allow them to apply for Accreditation status. However, BDC had many privately rented properties, and the intent was to not deter Landlords from staying in the sector. A typical tenant is on a low income and/or benefits, and ultimately it would be the tenant eligible for most grants, and not the Landlord.
The Scrutiny Officer highlighted that on Page 9 of the Evidence Summary for more information, but what could be done was publish energy grant information on the BDC website and show on Bolsover TV.
The Housing Strategy and Development Officer stated it was also the need to reach older residents, as they were most likely in need of such support.
A Member noted the Potential Recommendations were good and needed. There was only a need to reach Landlords, residents and provide the grants.
The Chair asked if there was a list of Landlords.
The Housing Strategy and Development Officer answered there was, but it was not comprehensive.
A Member agreed in using BDC’s magazine and Bolsover TV to help register Landlords and help them get access to grants and support.
The Housing Strategy and Development Officer pointed out there used to be a shared housing service, but this was now in-house following the separation with North East Derbyshire District Council. One question that could be asked was, “Do you want to be an accredited landlord?”.
The Security Officer sought the Committee to confirm the objectives for work to proceed. BDC’s website would be updated, and add links to the UK National Government’s website. Objective 1, 2, and 4 had been discussed in the Evidence Summary, with Objective 3 on Page 6 and 7; the Bolsover Council’s Carbon Reduction 2019-2030 Plan and the BDC Housing Strategy 2021-24: Action Plan – March 2023 Update.
Also on Page 7 was Policy SS1: Sustainable Development. The Security Officer also highlighted Page 8 of the Evidence Summary for the refurbishment of BDC’s housing stock. On Page 11 was the Objective 5 which was a brief update on the Council’s approach to improving energy ratings of the private rented sector stock.
On Page 13 was the Objective 7, which was on Electric Vehicles (EV) and EV charging points.
The Housing Strategy and Development Officer noted, with regards EV charging points, this may not be relevant to the Committee. New build properties were already legislated to have strong electric networks for EV charging, and BDC properties would also have parking and options for charging present. Other EV charging points could also be considered, such as lampposts. The issue was how to provide EV charging points to older estates.
A Member noted that EV charging via lampposts would be a Derbyshire County Council, as they were responsible for lampposts.
The Chair pointed out it would be useful to see what BDC could and could not do with regards EV charging points.
The Housing Strategy and Development Officer stated there had been a Climate Change post advertised at BDC but was unaware if it had been filled.
A Member added BDC had passed a move to declare a Climate Emergency.
The Housing Strategy and Development Officer stated they had felt the Carbon Reduction Policy was a little fragmented at the moment.
The Security Officer agreed to know where the Carbon Reduction Policy was and would update the on-going Report.
The Informal Part B meeting concluded at 12:25 hours.