Havering Council is the first London Borough to successfully complete the first wave of upgrades to social housing as part of the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (SHF) Wave 3.
This is a government-funded programme aimed at improving the energy efficiency of social housing in England, and provides funding to local authorities to retrofit homes, upgrade heating systems and reduce fuel poverty.
The programme focuses on bringing homes up to an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of band C or better by 2035, where feasible, bringing vital energy efficiency upgrades to homes across the borough.
Under this programme alone, supported by funding coordinated by Warmer Homes London - a city-wide initiative led by the Mayor of London and London Councils to tackle fuel poverty and accelerate home energy efficiency - Havering Council has already completed external wall insulation, loft insulation and ventilation improvement works to 21 properties.
Delivered by our contractor BTS Property Solutions and supported by Baily Garner.
These improvements are already making a difference, helping residents reduce energy bills whilst supporting Havering Council’s long-term commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction.
A Havering Council tenant commented on the upgrade:
“I didn’t know what to expect.
"We were told we were going to have the works done and I just went along with it because all the Council houses were being were being renovated, but I would like to say it's the best thing that's ever happened!
“The contractors were very, very accommodating, all of them, not just anyone in particular.
"Last winter, for example, I didn't have my heating on once.”
Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Lead for Housing Property, said:
“We are thrilled to be the first London Borough to have made significant progress on this retrofit scheme, which is testament to the dedication and professionalism of Council officers and our contract partners.
“The upgrades not only improve the quality of life for our residents, but also move us closer to our net zero goals.”
Eleanor Purser, Interim Director for Warmer Homes London, said:
“This achievement by Havering is a great step in moving toward a greener, fairer and more affordable future for Londoners.
The first wave of work completed for Havering Council is an important example of good practice.
"Warmer Homes London is delighted to be working with Havering and other partners in England’s largest Social Housing Fund Strategic Partnership to share their learnings and help delivery scale across London.”