Fuel Poverty Project How do we engage and deliver energy efficiency improvements to rural communities? Rugby Borough Brinklow and Wolvey

The Warwickshire Perspective Andy McDarmaid Warwickshire County Council

Fuel Poverty Project The Warwickshire Perspective Over 20% of Warwickshires households (46,000) are in fuel poverty and these are most prevalent in rural and semi-rural communities. Previous funding opportunities have mostly been consumed by urban schemes. Initially this bid was being prepared as from the LEP, but it was announced by DECC as a LA competition so WCC and Cov CC submitted separate bids.

This is about more than just Fuel Poverty, its about jobs and growth Fuel Poverty Project The Warwickshire Perspective There is a need for domestic and commercial energy efficiency across Warwickshire and the wider sub-region so we need to support and develop the local market? GOING FOR GROWTH CONTENT

Fuel Poverty Project Objectives To support the installation of improvements to the thermal efficiency of up to 50 rural dwellings in Warwickshire. To develop a one front door web portal to enable individuals and support agencies to access local energy efficiency information and local installers online.

Fuel Poverty Project Warwickshire Approach Use Local Intelligence Sources Pre-Assessment 15 Postcode areas identified across the communities of Brinklow and Wolvey which covered 396 properties. Doorknocking exercise for all 396 properties to identify interest and also undertake short assessments. This created an intelligence-led dataset through combining socio-economic and property information to effectively target those most in need.

Fuel Poverty Project Shortlisting criteria Dwelling characteristics: - Solid walls - Un-insulated cavity walls - Less than 150mm loft insulation - Off gas grid Vulnerable households: - Elderly - Young Children - On means tested benefits - In Social Housing From the physical surveys undertaken, or from the postal surveys returned, 83 properties met some of the criteria and were therefore shortlisted for a more detailed assessment.

Fuel Poverty Project Web Portal

Fuel Poverty Project Lessons Learned – so far Communication is critical On a project engaging so many partners the roles must be clear and adhered to by all There will always be someone who will complain!

Local co-ordinated delivery Ken Mantock Hardyman Ltd

Time is of the essence Tender returned - Submission included24 th January six RETA service delivery partners Appointed as project manager 31 st January Advised RETA SDPs 1 st Feb Met with Andy and Rachel to learn 34 target 5 th Feb homes identified by Act on Energy in Brinklow Notified RETA members of scope of opportunity and arranged for meeting at The Bulls Head Expectation of: Survey/quote 18 th Feb Start 25 th Feb Complete 22 nd March Fuel Poverty Project Local co-ordinated delivery four weeks!

Meeting 14 Feb – Andy, reps from Rugby Borough Council and all the service delivery partners: Fuel Poverty Project Local co-ordinated delivery - Complete Green Solutions – External Wall Insulation - Homeworks – External Wall Insulation - ITS – Loft and Cavity Wall Insulation - New World Solar – Boilers and Central Heating - Renewable Micro Solutions – External Wall Insulation and Boilers - Zest – External Wall Insulation Overview of project given, aims and objectives described, roles explored AND address list received with:Brinklow 46 homes Wolvey 37 homes So ready to proceed

Bad news Weather then became Arctic Fuel Poverty Project Local co-ordinated delivery Good news Completion date of end of March extended to end of April

Yew Tree Hill, Brinklow External Wall Insulation by Homeworks Boilers by New World Solar Initial Phase: Homes 8,9,10 11 & 12 13,14,15,16 Second Phase: Homes 17,18,19,20 21,22,23,24 Third Phase: Homes 3,4,5, & 26 Fuel Poverty Project Local co-ordinated delivery Commenced 1 st March and due to complete 3 rd May

Heath Lane, Brinklow External Wall Insulation by Renewable Micro Solution and Loft Insulation by ITS Fuel Poverty Project Local co-ordinated delivery Commenced 21 st March and completed 17 th April Homes 1a and 2a

Leicester Road, Wolvey External Wall Insulation by Zest and Loft Insulation by ITS Homes: 1 & 2 7 & 8 11 & 12 Fuel Poverty Project Local co-ordinated delivery Commenced 2 nd April and due to be completed 26 th April

What achieved to tackle issues of affordable warmth and carbon reduction? 45 homes worked in, of which 14 are local authority or rented and 31 are owner occupiers 54 eco measures delivered: Fuel Poverty Project Local co-ordinated delivery

What achieved overall to tackle issues of affordable warmth and carbon reduction? Fuel Poverty Project Local co-ordinated delivery

Fuel Poverty Project Local co-ordinated delivery Wolvey Brinklow What achieved to tackle issues of affordable warmth and carbon reduction?

Learning points (authors personal view): More information at tender stage on homes likely to be worked in. Greater time for pre-visits, resident liaison, asbestos surveys/removal, power and services alterations, location of site compounds and getting to know the team. Better communication with residents throughout the process On-going involvement of Act of Energy to help advise residents on specific and general affordable warmth options Closer working between District and County Council staff and better appreciation of team roles/responsibilities Involve and advise local councillors and community interest groups before and during the process. Fuel Poverty Project Local co-ordinated delivery