The report seeks approval for the Council to accept Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) capital funding of up to £7,744,000 via the signing of a Grant Letter agreement with the Midlands Net Zero Hub.

This funding will be used to enable an estimated 390 fuel poor households across Herefordshire to be supported with home energy efficiency and renewable heating measures.

That:

a) Approval is given for the acceptance and expenditure of the full allocation awarded to Herefordshire of up to £7,744,000 capital funding;

b) The Council signs the Grant letter with the Midlands Net Zero Hub (MNZH); and

c) The Service Director for Highways and Transport 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.