Agenda item

This report seeks approval of the Hertfordshire Local Retrofit Strategy (Appendix 2), which will formalise a structured approach to retrofit coordination, funding applications, and project delivery in alignment with the Commitment to Retrofit (Appendix 1), endorsed by a majority of members of the Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership (HCCSP) on 27^th March 2025.

Recommendation

That Members agree to:

       i.          To approve TRDC formally endorsing and adopting the Hertfordshire Retrofit Commitment (Appendix 1)  and Strategy (appendix 2) to facilitate knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and funding collaboration across local authorities and other key stakeholders in Hertfordshire.

      ii.          To note the development of the action plan within the Strategy, which will be refined through multi-agency collaboration to establish a robust, long-term delivery model.

     iii.          To note that officer time may be required to support the development of the Hertfordshire Retrofit body and the Action Plan.

The Climate Change and Sustainability Manager introduced the report.

Members emphasised the importance of collaboration to expand retrofitting efforts and accelerate the process. Increasing the number of local builders proficient in retrofitting is crucial to reducing costs and improving efficiency. Additionally, working together could lead to cheaper materials and broader benefits for homeowners, despite current funding limitations.

Members also raised some concerns about the high costs associated with retrofitting, particularly comparing the expense and lifespan of heat pumps versus traditional gas boilers, emphasising the financial burden on working class household. There is a concern about the Council potentially committing to significant financial obligations without clear cost transparency. Officers responded by clarifying that bulk purchasing schemes are facilitator-led and not funded directly by the Council, citing examples like the Solar Together project and Transition Streets programme where collective homeowner action enables cost savings. The retrofit strategy targets homeowners who are financially able to pay, encouraging access to financing options such as green mortgages and loans. Grants like the Warmer Homes grant are acknowledged as current funding sources for the private sector, but future funding streams remain uncertain. Furthermore, officers spoke about past initiatives such as conducting surveys and retrofit projects that have seen some success, with 23 residents making home improvements. The transition is difficult, with upfront costs being a significant barrier, although a £7,500 grant is available to all households to help offset air source heat pump installations. They noted that the second time a heat pump is installed is less expensive as radiators and insulation are often improved when a heat pump is installed, but these adaptations will not be required the second time. Officers also confirmed that there is no financial commitment required from the Council or residents and emphasised that the strategy focuses on collaboration across public and private sectors, including local authorities, housing associations, builders and education providers. The strategy aims to make retrofit more affordable and accessible without prescribing specific measures. Additionally, there was a significant emphasis on addressing the skills gap in the workforce to support retrofit work, highlighting the importance of upskilling and local employment creation.

It was noted that while current technology like air source heat pumps may not be suitable for every home, advancements are moving rapidly. The high costs are attributed to the marginal cost of electricity rather than the technology not being green.

Councillor Jon Tankard moved the recommendation as set out in the report, seconded by Councillor Raj Khiroya.

On being put to the committee, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by general assent.

RESOLVED:

That Members agree to:

1. To approve TRDC formally endorsing and adopting the Hertfordshire Retrofit Commitment (Appendix 1) and Strategy (appendix 2) to facilitate knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and funding collaboration across local authorities and other key stakeholders in Hertfordshire.
2. To note the development of the action plan within the Strategy, which will be refined through multi-agency collaboration to establish a robust, long-term delivery model.
3. To note that officer time may be required to support the development of the Hertfordshire Retrofit body and the Action Plan.