Energy efficiency and warm homes
Background
There are 20% excess winter deaths in this Borough compared with the London average of 13%; a fundamental reason for this is the nature of the housing stock with 74% of the private housing stock built before 1914 that at a practical level are difficult to insulate (no cavities) and heat efficiently. Improving the energy efficiency of properies and alleviating fuel poverty is central to the strategic aims of the Government and the Council. Domestic properties account for 27% of overall CO2 production;
All local authorities are required under NI187 , to provide an annual report to determine the percentage of all households on income related benefit living in a dwelling.
Objectives
- To improve the energy efficiency of private sector dwellings by facilitating measures to optimise the SAP Rating.
- To reduce levels of fuel poverty of households in private sector.
- To reduce the incidence of excess winter deaths in the private sector.
Our activities will be particularly targetted at vulnerable, low income and elderly households, which will impact on fuel poverty and excess winter deaths. This will have the additional benefit of bringing properties to the decent standard by having an impact on thermal comfort.
Strategy
As outlined in our strategy we will facilitate the energy efficiency improvements by promoting the Private Sector Renewal Scheme through London Warmzones as a member of the West London Housing Group. We will work closely with Warmzones to facilitate their area surveys to identify relevant properties. Officers in Private Housing and Health will proactively refer dwellings under inspection where they believe the is cause for concern.
The scheme will be publicised through articles in the press, the H&F journal and other publications.
In order to obtain the services of an organisation to carry out this work, we will work with other London local authorities through the London Carbon Action Network.
View the West London Housing Partnership Measure Map
Enforcement action will be taken against landlords of private rented properties where there are Category 1 hazards for excess cold (using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System - Housing Act 2004).
Funding Sources
Funded by the Mayor of London, Hammersmith and Fulham Council is pleased to offer you the chance to benefit from a London wide homes retrofitting scheme called RE:NEW. The Council is working with our partner, Climate Energy, to deliver RE:NEW in your area, helping all households to save energy, lower their utility bills and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Warmfront.
Funding from central Government, nationwide scheme, managed by Eaga Partnership. Eligible works, installation of central heating, replacement boilers if appropriate, loft and cavity wall insulation. Owner occupiers or private tenants (excluding Social Housing) eligible if on a disability related benefit, or over 60 and on means tested benefit, or under 60 with child under 16 on means tested benefit.
Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT).
This is funding that the utility companies are obliged to spend on energy efficiency improvements on domestic properties. Mainly loft and cavity wall insulation usually for vulnerable households.
West London Private Sector Renewal Scheme
This is run on behalf of the West London Sub Region by London Warmzones and runs from 2009-20for heating improvements and loft and cavity wall insulation for vulnerable households for the 7 Boroughs to bring the property up to the Decent Standard. The criteria has been extended to over 70s till April 2010 in Hammersmith and Fulham. Warmzones will identify eligible households from surveying in selected areas. They can also take on relevant households from any part of the Borough.
- Warmzones will refer houseseholds eligible for Warmfront or CERT funding as appropriate thus levering additional funding.
- Households not on benefit can be referred to free benefits advisory service.
- Insulation works can be organised on discounted basis for households not eligible for funding.
To contact "Warmzones" ring: 0800 587 2251
Page last updated: 07/12/2011
