Decision details

Part 3, Schedule 3 – Responsibility for Executive Functions delegated to Officers paragraph 4.3 (1) – the Corporate Director has delegated authority to discharge executive functions within their respective service areas (Part 3.38). All delegations are subject to consultation where considered appropriate in the circumstances (paragraph 4.3 (4(ii) – Part 3.39). The Corporate Director (Operational Services) has delegated operational matters relating to the running of the Private Sector Housing service to the Head of Housing

To enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with ARAN Energy Services relating to the delivery of their Warm Homes Project in the Tendring area. The project will provide free or discounted home energy efficiency improvements such as cavity wall or loft insulation and in some cases complete heating systems. The scheme is part of the Governments Energy Company Obligation. ARAN will proactively promote the project in the area with the endorsement of the Council. The project will contribute to improving energy efficiency for Tendring residents.

There is a reputational risk if ARAN do not deliver a good quality service. ARAN are a well established firm with a good track record in this area and they are partnered with a number of other local authorities in Essex. The Council will receive a small financial payment from ARAN for each case that is referred to them through the scheme. The Council will use this money to fund energy efficiency related projects or to support delivery of this scheme – for example by funding loft clearances to enable the installation of loft insulation. No alternative options have been considered at this stage other than not entering into an agreement with ARAN. Not entering into an agreement would be a missed opportunity to support delivery of the ECO scheme in the district and to help households find a way out of fuel poverty. This arrangement does not prevent the Council from entering into similar arrangements with other providers in the future.