Update from the Local Government Group (LG Group) Abigail Burridge Policy Advisor 25 MAY

Outline of Presentation An introduction to the Local Government Group Self-Regulation and Improvement Offer Memorandum of Understanding The Energy Bill An introduction to the Green Deal HECA Feed-in Tariffs Fuel Poverty Review

The Local Government Group Reflecting challenges facing local government, several organisations have come together: –Local Government Association –Local Government Regulation –Local Government Improvement and Development (IDeA) –Local Partnerships –Local Government Leadership –Local Government Employers

Robust approach to self regulation – the core principles Councils are responsible for their own performance Stronger accountability - greater transparency Collective responsibility for performance LG group’s role is to support councils

Taking the lead – 7 point ‘offer’ accountability tools peer challenge peer support knowledge hub transparent and comparable data leadership support learning and support

A Memorandum of Understanding on Climate Change Between DECC and the LG Group on how to work together to deliver the Offer and keep up ambitious action by councils on climate change, energy and fuel poverty

The Memorandum of Understanding Government acknowledges the pivotal role of councils in enabling residents and businesses to tackle climate change LG Group will lead on encouraging and supporting councils to set their own targets and take action on: –Own-estate emissions –Area-based emissions –Meeting national objectives such as Green Deal, Renewables, Smart Metering and Fuel Poverty Declaration Annual Review Action Plan

The Nottingham Declaration Nottingham Declaration hugely successful – over 90% councils signed up An evolution of the Nottingham Declaration to enable councils to demonstrate their continuing ambition on climate change Consulting with signatories on what a new Nottingham Declaration could look like New Nottingham Declaration Board with greater council representation and direct links to Government

The Energy Bill Several sections important for local authorities: –The Green Deal –The Energy Obligation –Private Rented Sector –Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA)

Green Deal Process Assessment Finance Installation Repayments and Follow Up

Role of Councils in the Green Deal Local Authorities Forum on the Green Deal Green Deal Providers – making an offering to their residents for a Green Deal package Green Deal Partners – making a partnership with Green Deal providers that will benefit their local people Green Deal Endorsers – adding their trusted ‘brand’ to a Green Deal Green Deal Recipients – taking up a Green Deal offer on their own properties and/or social housing

Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Carbon Emissions Reduction Target – additional resources for homes that require a larger investment than the ‘golden rule’ allows for (e.g. Solid Wall) Home Heating Cost Reduction Target – aimed at low income and vulnerable householders to alleviate fuel poverty The Bill allows the Secretary of State to specify how these targets will be met, with regards to persons, properties, and geographical areas

Where the Green Deal meets ECO Unsuitable for finance e.g. Fuel poor or low income; Low energy user; Hard to treat housing CONSUMERS Suitable for full finance e.g. On higher incomes; High energy user; Low cost measures Green Deal Finance Energy Company Obligation MEASURES Funded primarily by GD Finance e.g. basic insulation Funded primarily by ECO e.g. central heating

Home Heating Cost Reduction Target Clearer role for councils in enabling the effective delivery of the Energy Company Obligation? –Finding fuel poor households –Solid wall insulation (planning permissions, street-by-street) –Social housing and scale to bring down costs Councils resourced to deliver their expertise…

Private Rented Sector Changed as of second reading of Energy Bill in House of Commons… Illegal to rent out a property with an Energy Performance Certificate of F or G from 2018 Domestic and Non-domestic Expected role for councils in enforcement Awaiting more information…

Home Energy Conservation Act Government has changed its mind and will no longer be repealing the Home Energy Conservation Act “form an important part of our strategy to ensure coherent and joined-up implementation of the green deal right across the country at the local authority and community levels” Again, awaiting more information…

Feed-in Tariffs Review Over 50Kw from August 2011 –Schools, community centres+ Comprehensive Review Consultation due mid-July Risks: –Aggregation –Funding for Fuel Poverty –Only available to the rich –Council role in the Green Deal –Mid-financial year change

Contact Details Website: or Abigail Burridge Senior Policy Officer