Agenda item

This report sets out work being undertaken in Hammersmith & Fulham to improve energy efficiency and tackle fuel poverty for vulnerable residents.

Justine Dornan, (Private sector and Housing Officer) gave a presentation on the fuel poverty initiatives undertaken by the Council and outlined the following key areas:

•      The Healthier Homes project wasinitiated and funded under the Public Health Investment Fund from the end of 2014 to March 2017. This aimed to reduce fuel poverty and hazards in the homes of vulnerable residents to improve quality of life and reduce GP visits and hospital admissions through grants and enforcement action.

-       The service achieved this by working in partnership with local third sector organisations i.e. Bishop Creighton, Citizens Advice, Fulham Good Neighbours, Crosslight and Age UK.

-       In terms of outcomes: 250 referrals were received to the main project and 208 through the Councils debt advisor. In addition, 47 households had boilers installed, replaced, or repaired.

-       Training: Nine Healthier Homes training sessions were held for Council Staff, NHS and third sector organiations. A series of informal presentations were made at GP surgeries, resident’s groups, and community champions.

-       Healthier homes visits took place to identify issues and refer on where necessary.

-       Funding: Affordable Warmth Solutions is distributing the Warm Homes Fund and LBHF has successfully bid as part of a consortium for funding to allow home visits and small measures for residents. The Council aimed to tap into existing funding streams to get the best deal for residents.

Justine Dornan presented two case studies about energy efficiency and explained how the individual circumstances had led to a number of social care referrals.

Councillor Zarar Qayyum asked if there was a case study to illustrate how a household which was struggling financially, could seek advice about reducing heating costs. Justine Dornan explained that officers were unable to cite a case study, but in such cases, they would assist the resident by referring them to a debt advisor. Councillor Zarar Qayyum enquired about outreach opportunities and whether there was any assistance available to residents for skills and training. In response, Justine Dornan confirmed that outreach services were usually provided through Social Services or organisations such as Mind and Bishops Creighton’s. It was noted that officers had not branched out into providing employment / skills advice, and, presently, assistance focused around maximising the amount of benefits a person could claim, new boilers and insulation to save money. Justine Dornan confirmed that Doctor Edwards and Bishop Kings Charity, Fulham provided Relief in Need grants which were used for essential items of daily living including kitchen appliances, beds, furniture and clothing.

Councillor Adronie Alford highlighted the work that was conducted by the Hammersmith United Charities, which invested in people and communities. The Committee noted the importance of ensuring all homes were kept warm, to combat illness and officers were asked whether they insulated old housing stock.  Justine Dornan explained that installing loft insulation was a fast and effective way of improving heat retention and was seen as a quick win. Secondary glazing was also beneficial, although this was slower and more costly to install. Councillor Adrione Alford asked for further information on the grant funding which could be used for windows. Justine Dornan said that grants concerned lofts and boiler works but not windows. 

Councillor Lisa Homan spoke about the current climate of grant funding and it was noted that government grants, energy companies and third sector groups provided finance to assist the elderly. Demographic change meant that, increasingly, elderly residents were living in older properties which required regular maintenance. This meant that residents were often property rich but cash poor and unable to meet these ongoing costs. Councillor Homan explained that loneliness amongst the elderly (especially those in the private rented sector) was an increasing problem and officers needed to be vigilant when making home visits to try and ensure the Council provided assistance where possible.

Councillor Rowan Ree said that early intervention was key and asked how officers ensured they were aware of all the funding streams which could be accessed and applied for. In response, Justine Dornan explained that officers used fuel poverty networks and worked in partnership with colleagues across London to make sure they were conversant with the available funding streams. Details were provided on the Warm Homes Fund and how this operated.

The Chair commented that the report underlined the importance of energy efficiency, as well as the cross-working with Adult Social Care. As some of the cases appeared to be reactive, he asked how the referral process worked. Justine Dornan explained that officers informed residents about the steps they could take to improve energy efficiency and the services available to them. In some cases, residents self-referred but it was noted that in many cases, the Council’s partners made referrals. The Chair asked about the strategic level and whether there was a strategy to place residents with service providers. Justine Dornan explained that officers provided advice and guidance through the Council’s Press Office and in those cases where young children were involved, officers advised families to contact Children’s Centres. However, the advice about home energy and fuel poverty was not aimed at young people. The Chair confirmed that further work needed to be done in the future with young families to address this gap.

The Chair asked what steps officers took to tackle fuel poverty in the private rented sector, how the Council liaised with landlords and what the cost implications were. Justine Dornan explained that the Council worked with landlords to ensure a minimum standard of heating was offered to tenants and if complaints arose, enforcement action was taken by Environmental Health officers. One of the difficulties officers faced was the conversion of larger single occupancy residences into flats. Councillor Homan explained that the Council received referrals to sheltered housing from Adult Social Care and Glendine Shepherd, Head of Housing Solutions, confirmed that in these cases, specialist Housing officers would oversee the referrals process.

Councillor Zarar Qayyum asked about those Council tenants which were struggling to pay their rent and whether advice was provided on fuel providers. Justine Dornan confirmed that Housing provided advice on changing providers and tariffs to reduce fuel and water cost. Councillor Zarar Qayyum asked if figures could be provided on the number of Council tenants with rent arears, high energy bills and what could be done to assist them.

RESOLVED

1. That the Committee noted and commented on the proposed and ongoing work to reduce fuel poverty.
2. That figures be provided on the number of Council tenants with rent arrears and high energy bills.