The report seeks approval for the Council to accept Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery Phase 2 (GHG LAD 2) capital funding of up to £1,460,600 via the signing of a Grant Letter agreement with the Midlands Energy Hub.

This funding will be used to enable an estimated 134 fuel poor households across Herefordshire to be supported with home energy efficiency and renewable heating measures.

That:

a)    The Council signs the Grant letter with the Midlands Energy Hub (MEH) for up to £1,460,600 GHG LAD 2 grant funding and delivery of the project across Herefordshire;

b)    the scheme criteria set out in paragraphs 8 to 15 of this reportbe approved; and

c)    The Assistant Director for Regulatory, Environment and Waste Services be authorised to take all operational decisions necessary to implement.

1.           Not to accept or part accept the grant funding.

2.           This is not recommended as this would make it difficult for Herefordshire fuel poor households to receive support at the levels stated within the bid, as other funding streams alone are likely to result in significant funding shortfalls for fuel poor households.

3.           This will result in a risk of not achieving the council’s strategic objectives within the County Plan 2020 – 2024 and Health & Wellbeing Strategy and will not make progress towards the Council’s 2030 net zero carbon ambition for the county.