SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY PANEL - 13TH APRIL ...

AGENDA ITEM NO. 5
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY PANEL -
13TH APRIL 2011
SUBJECT:
REPORT BY:
ARBED PROJECTS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
1. PURPOSE OF REPORT
1.1 To brief and update Members of the Sustainable Development Advisory Panel on the
progress of the Arbed projects currently being undertaken within the Heads of the Valley area
and Markham.
2. SUMMARY
2.1 Arbed is the Welsh Assembly Government's strategic energy performance investment
programme.
2.2 The strategic objectives of Arbed is to:-
• Fuel Poverty Reduction
• Carbon Reduction
• Support all aspects of the energy efficiency/renewable
2.3 There are two Arbed projects currently being carried out within Caerphilly County Borough
Council. One within the Heads of the Valley Area in partnership with United Welsh Housing
Association and one in Markham in partnership with Charter Housing. In both schemes the
Housing Association is the lead partner.
3. LINKS TO STRATEGY
3.1 Links to the strategic principles laid out in the local housing strategy of sustainable
development, equality and diversity and social inclusion.
3.2 The Arbed project will also support the Sustainable Development strategy 2008.
4. ARBED PROJECT
4.1 Heads of the Valley Area
4.1.1 United Welsh Housing Association the lead partner bid for funding to improve and increase
the energy performance of existing homes within the heads of the valley area. The bid was
successful to the value of £2.2 million. The works primarily consist of external wall insulation
and the installations of photovoltaic panels. The photovoltaic panels can only be fitted to
homes within the social housing sector.

4.1.2 The target areas/communities to be supported by this funding are in Tirphil, Rhymney, Cwm
and Llanhilleth.
4.1.3 Caerphilly County Borough were included in this bid to carry out external wall insulation to 38
properties at Ty Coch Rhymney, a mixture of private and public sector homes. The council
owned properties are also having photovoltaic panels fitted.
4.1.4 The project has since been extended to include external wall insulation to the 38 Council
properties at Bryn Carno and 15 private sector properties that are adjoined to a council
property.
4.2 Markham Area
4.2.1 Charter Housing Association also the lead partner bid for funding to improve the energy
performance of their homes within the village of Markham.
4.2.2 Charters bid was successful to the value of £1.6 million. The bid included for the provision of
external wall insulation for private sector residents who wish to participate. Public sector
housing was included once funding became available. This project is being managed by
Warm Wales.
4.2.3 The works at Markham consists of external wall insulation, photovoltaic panels, and solar hot
water panels to Charter housing properties. 81 Private sector properties and 19 Council
properties at Mountain View are receiving external wall insulation.
4.3 Arbed 2 and Community Energy Saving Programme
4.3.1 Further Arbed projects are being considered by the Welsh Assembly Government. It is
understood that WAG will shortly be asking local authorities to submit 2 project proposals for
consideration. The proposals should include for a collaborative approach and consider areas
that would deliver the strategic objectives of Arbed:-
• Fuel poverty reduction
• Tonnes of CO2 saved
• Estimated economic benefits
• Leveraged funds from other programmes (WHQS/CERT/CESP)
4.4 Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP)
4.4.1 Discussions are ongoing with British Gas for consideration of grant funding to carry out
external wall insulation to properties within qualifying areas (i.e lower super output areas).
Areas currently being considered for consideration are Pantside, Gilfach and Fochriw.
5. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
5.1 There are no financial implications associated with the works at Ty Coch and Bryn Carno.
The Arbed funding covered the costs of all the insulation and photovoltaic works.
5.2 The contract sum for the 19 properties at Mountain View was £163,000 of which a shortfall
contribution of £46,957 that has been agreed by the Council.
6. PERSONNEL IMPLICATIONS
6.1 There are no personnel implications associated with this report.

7. CONSULTATIONS
7.1 The views of the consultees have been considered and where appropriate, have been
incorporated in the content of the report.
8. RECOMMENDATIONS
8.1 This report is for information only.
9. REASONS FOR THE RECOMMENDATIONS
9.1 Not applicable, this report is for information only.
10. STATUTORY POWER
10.1 There are no statutory powers.
Author:
Consultees:
Steve Martin, Principal Contracts Officer
Shaun Couzens, Chief Housing Officer
Steve Greedy, Principal Housing Officer (Technical)