Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028 – Year One (202324) Review and Progress Update Full Report
Renfrewshire Council · 29 October 2024
Back to Communities and Housing Policy Board — 29 October 2024 and its agenda
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Communities and Housing Policy Board On: 29 October 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Director of Environment, Housing and Infrastructure ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028 – Year One (2023/24) Review and Progress Update ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 This report presents the first annual review of the Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028. It highlights progress in the delivery of the five strategic priorities and supporting actions within the Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Communities and Housing Policy Board: 2.1 Notes the progress made in implementing the actions of the Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028 for the period 2023/24. _________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 places a duty on local authorities to prepare a five- year local housing strategy which is informed by an assessment of housing provision and related services within the area. 3.2 Renfrewshire’s Local Housing Strategy was approved at the Communities and Housing Policy Board on 31 October 2023. 3.3 The Local Housing Strategy sets out the strategic vision to deliver high quality housing and housing related services across all tenures in Renfrewshire to meet housing needs and seeks to provide a clear direction for strategic housing investment.
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3.4 The Local Housing Strategy links with a number of key plans and strategies for Renfrewshire (e.g. Local Development Plan, Health and Social Care Partnership Strategic Plan, Community Plan). 3.5 The Local Housing Strategy contains five Strategic Priorities that take account of current national and local policy priorities: • The supply and delivery of housing is increased across all tenures to meet the housing needs of different groups and create attractive and sustainable places; • People live in high quality, well managed homes in sustainable neighbourhoods; • Address the challenges of the climate emergency, delivering homes that are warm, energy efficient and fuel poverty is minimized; • Prevention of homelessness and providing support for those in housing need; and • People can live independently for as long as possible in their own home and the different housing needs of people across Renfrewshire are being met. 3.6 Progress in delivering the five strategic priorities and related actions within the Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028 is monitored on a regular basis and reported annually to Board. 3.7 The Local Housing Strategy 2023/24 update is contained in Appendix 1. 3.8 Following consideration by the Board, the Local Housing Strategy Year One (2023/2024) Review and Progress Update will be published on the Council’s website ___________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – The financial implications of implementing this strategy are incorporated into the Council and the Housing Revenue Account plans. No new financial implications are introduced by these proposals. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None. 3. Community/Council Planning – • Our Renfrewshire is thriving – improving housing conditions and enable more affordable homes to be built, encouraging people to live and stay in Renfrewshire. • Our Renfrewshire is well – supporting older and disabled residents to live healthier, for longer, in their own homes. • Our Renfrewshire is fair – prevention of homelessness and ensuring vulnerable people get the advice and support they need. • Building strong, safe and resilient communities - increasing the supply of affordable housing and regenerating communities
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• Creating a sustainable Renfrewshire for all to enjoy – building energy efficient, low carbon homes that contribute to achieving Renfrewshire’s net zero ambitions. 4. Legal – None. 5. Property/Assets – None. 6. Information Technology – None.. 7. Equality & Human Rights - (a) The Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028 was subject to an Equalities, Children’s Rights and Wellbeing and Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment.an equalities impact assessment (including Fairer Scotland assessment and. This found no negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report because for example it is for noting only. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health & Safety – None. 9. Procurement – None. 10. Risk – None. 11. Privacy Impact – None. 12. Climate Risk – N/A 13. Children’s Rights – This report does not cover a new policy, function or strategy or a substantive change to an existing policy, function or strategy which will have an impact on children’s rights. 14. Cosla Policy Position – N/A _______________________________________________________ Appendix 1 Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028 - Year One (2023/24) Progress Update List of Background Papers (a) Background Paper 1 Report to Communities and Housing Policy Board 31 October 2023 Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028. The foregoing background papers will be retained within Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Services for inspection by the public for the prescribed period of four years from the date of the meeting. The contact officer within the service is Alan Williamson, Strategy and Place Manager, alan.williamson@renfrewshire.gov.uk
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___________________________________________________________________ Author: Alan Williamson, alan.williamson@renfrewshire.gov.uk, 07811 053968
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Local Housing Strategy Action Plan 2023-2028 – Year One (2023/24) Progress Update Strategic Priority 1: The supply and delivery of housing is increased across all tenures to meet the housing needs of different groups and create attractive and sustainable places. Action Baseline Indicator/ Measure October 2024 update 1 Identify and maintain a continuous supply of housing land in sustainable locations across Renfrewshire to support delivery of a mix of housing types and tenures to meet housing need and demand. Local Development Plan Action Programme agreed 2021 Actions implemented The adopted Renfrewshire Local Development Plan identified land with capacity for 9,911 new homes (as at 2019). The 2024 housing land audit includes sites with a capacity for 6,904 new homes over 120 sites (1,188 of these are on sites that are under construction, 2,934 are on sites with planning permission, and 2,782 are on sites that are identified as having potential for new homes). The expected tenure of these homes is 5,477 private and 1,427 for social rent. An update of the Local Development Plan (LDP2) delivery programme is being prepared. This document will include a focus on the delivery of housing sites. 2 Support development of previously used and brownfield sites making best use of existing and planned infrastructure. 29.19 hectares of land identified in the Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy brought back into productive use in 2022. Land identified in the Vacant and Derelict Land Strategy brought back into productive use In 2023/24, development commenced on sites in the vacant and derelict land register totalling 41.24 hectares, with 27.04 hectares being developed for housing. Of the 6904 units of housing identified in the 2024 housing land audit, 88% are on brownfield sites.
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3 Deliver the rolling affordable housing supply programme set out in the Strategic Housing Investment Plan to deliver new energy efficient and digitally enabled homes and identify new projects that contribute to meeting the strategic priorities of this Local Housing Strategy. Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) 2023 - 2028 approved at Communities and Housing Policy Board October 2022 Annual update of the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) In 2023/24, 196 new affordable homes were completed across three Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) sites. This included a Renfrewshire Council development at Ferguslie Park in Paisley consisting of 101 homes and two Link Group developments at Abbey Quarter in Paisley (81 homes) and at Woodend House in Houston (14 homes). These new homes contribute to expanding the supply of affordable high quality energy efficient homes, supporting regeneration in the Ferguslie Park area, town centre living in Paisley and adding to the supply of affordable homes in areas of high demand and limited supply in the West Renfrewshire villages. 4 Make use of the Affordable Housing Policy to increase the supply of affordable housing and help create mixed sustainable communities. N/A Number of sites that include units delivered through the new Affordable Housing Policy The Local Development Plan Affordable Housing policy was involved in the delivery of the following in 2023/24: 14 social rented homes at Woodend House in Houston. 23 social rented homes at Napier Street, Linwood 5 Deliver local regeneration strategies providing new affordable, N/A Progress agreed area strategies A build contractor has been appointed for the design and build of 70 new build Council homes at the Howwood Road Area of Johnstone and 65 new build Council homes at Gallowhill, Paisley.
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energy efficient and digitally enabled homes in sustainable places that reflect Renfrewshire Council’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions’. following public consultation Formal planning applications were submitted July 2024 and it is anticipated that on approval construction will commence early 2025. These homes are being constructed to Gold Aspect 1 – 8 as per the Scottish Technical Standards (Domestic) requirements ensuring they are energy efficient and sustainable. The properties will be digitally enabled with future proof ducting. 6 Continue to support town centre action plans and support housing investment and development projects in Renfrewshire’s town centres. N/A Town Centre action plans to be progressed The transformation of Paisley following delivery of the Action Plan is advancing at pace, with achievements such as creating an international culture and heritage destination and acting as a stimulus for property investment, development and re-use. Completed regeneration projects include the refurbishment of the Town Hall and the Arts Centre as well as the creation of a new Culture and Learning Hub on the High Street. Other major projects including the restoration of the museum which is due to be completed within the next year. These investments have helped support new housing investment in the town centre including The Millhouse and Riverside Walk developments. The publication of the Paisley Vision document will also act as a further catalyst to inspire future development in and around the town centre. The Liberal Club, which was identified as a key building in the Vision, has recently undergone significant restoration, securing its long-term status for residential use in the future. The Regeneration Team will be looking to refresh our town centre strategies to reflect changes that have taken place in a post
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pandemic environment. These strategies will align with the guidance and principles outlined in NPF4. The team has been outlining potential regeneration priorities and projects. This includes developing a new Vision for Johnstone which will act as a framework for regeneration of the town centre in the years to come. One of the main project areas in the Vision includes the need for increased town centre living. The team will continue to bring forward regeneration proposals across the town centres. 7 Support owners of empty properties to bring these homes back into productive use. 5 Empty Homes brough back into use through direct engagement with owners 2022/23 Number of empty homes brough back into use The Council has one More Homes Officer who continues to locate and liaise with private owners of long-term empty properties throughout Renfrewshire. Through the offering of advice and assistance to owners, 20 long-term empty properties were brought back into use during the 2023/24 financial year. Following legislative change at the start of this financial year, a large number of properties previously recorded as second homes were added to the long-term empty category, where the 200% Council Tax levy is now charged. This change has had a direct impact on the number of properties managed at any one time within the caseload of the More Homes officer. Current figures show 856 properties are now classed as long-term empty (over 6 months), 439 where a 10% discount is being applied and 417 where the 200% levy is being charged. 8 Support local communities in the preparation of community led Place Plans. N/A Indicator only An invitation to prepare local place plans was issued to community councils and community development trusts in May 2023. Information sessions were held in March 2024, setting out the level of support to be offered by the Council. As at September 2024, 13 community councils or development trusts had expressed an interest in preparing a local place plan.
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Strategic Priority 2: People live in high quality, well managed homes in sustainable neighbourhoods. Action Baseline Indicator/ Measure October 2024 update 9 Develop approaches to maximise investment in Council homes and privately owned homes within the Council’s regeneration and renewal areas. RC Housing Led Regeneration and Renewal Programme approved January 2022 Strategies implemented. Regeneration programme progress The Communities and Housing Board of 20th August 2024 gave authorisation for the acquisition of a number of properties from resident owners within Investment blocks that would see them become Council tenants in those properties and would increase the number blocks where investment works could progress. Officers continue to assess the market for grants that could be available to owners of private properties within the Housing Led Regeneration and Renewal areas along with the Private Sector Housing Grant already agreed for this programme of works. 10 Develop and implement a multi- disciplinary approach to neighbourhood renewal plans. Neighbourhood Renewal Group meetings have taken place in two of the eight areas (as at Aug 2023) Neighbourhood Renewal Groups established and meeting Plans produced A Neighbourhood Renewal approach has been developed which will be tailored to the needs and circumstances of each area, going beyond housing and the immediate external environment, taking into account broader issues such as links to health and well-being, access to outdoor space, sustainable travel and employment/training opportunities to maximise the benefit achievable for local residents. Following the success of this approach at the Howwood Road Neighbourhood Renewal event in June 2024, this multi-disciplinary approach will be followed in all of the other areas in the 10-year Housing Led Regeneration and Renewal Programme.
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11 Continue to address Below Tolerable Standard properties across Renfrewshire. Scottish House Condition Survey (2015-2017) estimated that 1% of properties in Renfrewshire were BTS Scottish House Condition Survey statistics During 2024, Renfrewshire Council’s Communities and Housing Board approved the promotion and use of Closing Orders and Demolition Orders on privately owned BTS properties within 2 of the regeneration areas (Paisley West End and Auchentorile/Seedhill). This will facilitate the demolition of 4 tenement blocks and allow regeneration plans to move forward in those areas. The Council continues to address other BTS properties as they come to our attention. Scottish House Condition Survey (2015- 2017) estimated that 1% of properties in Renfrewshire were BTS. More recent data is not yet available. 12 Continue to provide advice and assistance to private homeowners through the Scheme of Assistance. 587 owners provided with information and advice on common repairs (2021/22) No. of households provided with advice or assistance. No. of grants provided to owners to participate in repairs/investme nt schemes In 2023/24, 880 owners were provided with information and advice on common repairs. Housing Services continue to work with private homeowners in mixed tenure blocks on day to day repairs as well as major capital investment programmes. We also continue to work closely with the Health & Social Care Partnership to provide grant support for private sector adaptations. 13 Undertake a review of the Council’s Scheme of Assistance for Scheme of Assistance last reviewed 2018 Scheme of Assistance reviewed An updated Scheme of Assistance was approved by the Communities and Housing Policy Board on 21 May 2024. The substantive changes to the Scheme of Assistance include: an increase in grant level to owns in mixed tenure blocks in Housing
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private homeowners taking into account legislative changes. regeneration areas; and an extension of the Missing Shares scheme to include all tenement types. 14 Continue the Missing Shares pilot for older tenement property and review its effectiveness. 7 tenement block repair projects supported to date, with value of Missing Shares in the region of £50,000 (as at April 2023) No. of Missing Shares approved In 2023/24, eleven missing shares were paid over 4 tenement bocks. Following Board approval in May 2024 for an extension of the scheme, ongoing marketing of the scheme will continue during 2024/25. 15 Increase uptake of factoring services providing a co- ordinated maintenance regime for mixed tenure blocks. Renfrewshire Council provides factoring service for 2,417 properties including for repairs, laundrettes and heating services (2022/23). N/A Renfrewshire Council provide factoring services to 2,413 properties. Owner Services continue to review factoring services and work with factored owners, reporting annually to the Scottish Housing Regulator on customer satisfaction among private owners receiving factoring services. 16 Implement Revised Council Housing Asset Management Strategy. N/A Council Housing Asset Management Strategy approved and implemented The Housing Asset Management Strategy 2024-2029 is being developed with oversight from the Housing Investment Programme Board. The Strategy will be presented to the Communities and Housing Policy Board for approval in due course. 17 Monitor the operation of the private rented Analysis of PRS market contained within this LHS Updated analysis The annual snapshot of private sector properties advertised as available to rent in April 2024 showed the average rent of a two- bedroom flat was £773 per month, with a lower quartile rental price of £669. No properties were available to rent at the Local
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market in Renfrewshire. Housing Allowance level of £523 per month (the level of benefit available towards rental costs) making the cost of private renting very challenging for those on lower incomes or reliant of welfare benefits to assist with rental costs. The Council promoted the Scottish Housing Network national landlord survey which aims to establish landlord’s future intentions. 194 Renfrewshire landlords responded. An analysis of the findings is due later in 2024. 18 Provide additional support, advocacy and representation for people living in private rented tenancies. N/A Number of service users assisted Funding for the temporary posts which focus on the provision of housing options advice and housing support for those living in the private rented sector have now been extended to the end of 2024/25, and a review of the impact of these posts will be carried out before March 2025. The team are currently supporting 27 clients and have received 133 referrals since the initiative began in 2021. 19 Continue to make effective use of enforcement actions against private landlords who fail to meet the required standards in relation to the management and maintenance of their property. Around 7,500 landlords with 10,169 properties registered (Jan 23) 453 Rent Penalty Notices issued 2021/22 Actions taken As at 01/09/24, there were in excess of 7,300 registered private landlords in Renfrewshire with at least 10,680 private rented properties. Between 01/04/23 and 01/09/24, 2 landlords were refused registration at the Regulatory Functions Board. Council Officers have also met with Police Scotland regarding enforcement in relation to unregistered landlords. During 2023/24: 82 investigations of private rented properties undertaken. 136 Rent Penalty notices were issued to private landlords
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Work continues through 2024/25 to ensure that privately rented properties are safe and fit for tenants. Strategic Priority 3: Address the challenges of the climate emergency, delivering homes that are warm, energy efficient and fuel poverty is minimised. Action Baseline Indicator/ Measure October 2024 update 20 Implement the housing-related actions within Renfrewshire’s Plan for Net Zero that contribute towards Renfrewshire’s net zero targets. N/A Annual progress towards full implementation Work continues to implement the housing-related actions as outlined in the Plan for Net Zero, centred around the transition to Clean Energy. Progress is demonstrated through the associated measures of success within the Plan For Net Zero, including the following that relate to housing where data is drawn from ‘Home Analytics’ as at September 2024: % of households with an EPC of Band C and above is 54.5%. By tenure this figure is broken down as: Housing Association: 81.5%; Renfrewshire Council: 70.3%; Owner Occupier: 47.9% and; Private Rented: 57.4%. (*note achieving an EPC of Band C applies where it is technically and financially feasible). % of households with renewables/low carbon heat supply: 8%. This includes solar PV, solar thermal, heat pumps, biomass and wind turbines that have been installed on Renfrewshire households. By tenure this figure is broken down as: Housing Association: 6.83% of stock; Renfrewshire Council: 8.04% of housing stock; Owner Occupier: 7.48% of properties and; Private Rented: 6.57% of properties.
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Average CO2 emissions per household per year: 3.55tonnes CO2/year. By tenure this is: Housing Association: average of 2.4tCO2 per annum; Renfrewshire Council: average of 2.5tCO2 per annum; Owner Occupier: average of 3.9tCO2 per annum and; Private Rented: average of 3.2tCO2 per annum Fuel poverty statistics are reported under Action 25 Renfrewshire Council are implementing measures in Council housing stock to reduce carbon emissions by 68% (from 2020 levels) and work towards ensuring all Council housing stock has an EPC of B by 2030 where feasible. Where possible we will work with private homeowners within mixed tenure blocks to help them to participate and benefit from Council energy efficiency improvement programmes and will work with owner-occupiers and the private rented sector to share learning and identify opportunities to reduce costs for all through economies of scale. 21 In newbuild affordable homes, the Council and housing associations will use renewable technology and other measures to provide energy efficient, well- N/A Number of new affordable homes delivered through the SHIP that meet zero emissions heat standard in relation to gas boiler The two upcoming Renfrewshire Council developments: Howwood Road (70 Units) and Gallowhill (65 Units) will be delivered with Air Sourced Heat Pumps being used as the primary heat source, complemented with Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery and PV solar panels. The specification for the new build properties has been enhanced with a greater focus on air tightness and thermal bridging to ensure the properties are as efficient as possible.
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ventilated homes that are low or zero emissions and meet the Scottish Government’s New Build Heat Standard Regulations effective from 1 April 2024. alternatives 22 Where feasible, retrofit existing social rented homes with renewable technology and other measures to improve aspects including energy efficiency, heating, ventilation and carbon emissions; including alternatives to gas boilers such as heat pumps and assessing suitability of properties to connect to heat Up to 31 March 2023 Renfrewshire Council had delivered (cumulative): 400 homes fitted with Environmental Air Quality Sensors (3 per property) 1,947 homes with EWI retro fitted (1881 flats and 66 houses) 95 homes with solar PV retrofitted (84 flats and 11 houses) 6 homes with air source heat pumps retro fitted (a) 281 homes with Quantum storage heaters (a) Number of homes retrofitted with renewable technology and other measures per year. (b) Progress towards establishing suitability for social rented homes to connect to heat networks (a) Plans for Renfrewshire Council’s housing stock are incorporated within the housing asset management plan and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) business plan. Progress against this action includes: A total of 2001 council homes have had EWI retro fitted as at September 2024. Our retrofit contractor is undertaking a range of energy efficiency measures including the installation of external wall and solar panel installations. Approximately 364 properties per annum are benefitting from these measures and similar outputs are anticipated in the coming year. Decentralised mechanical ventilation is now fitted as standard, providing improved ventilation and we monitor with sensors in selected homes with around 700 homes fitted with Environmental Air Quality Sensors. We continue to have 281 homes with Quantum storage heaters.
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networks if within a heat network zone. when available locally. Air Source Heat Pumps have been installed in 7 homes and are being monitored for performance. (b) Renfrewshire’s Housing Services are part of the LHEES Officer Working Group ensuring Council homes are considered. One heat network has been identified to progress initially, this is in Central Paisley with the University, Council HQ, and the RAH being the main anchor loads. Council Housing currently considered to be part of the Central Heat Network Zone are George Court, Speirsfield Court, Camphill Court and Speirsfield sheltered Court which amounts to around 240 units. Separately, the Council have carried out two feasibility studies for communal air source network in the Howwood Road Area of Johnstone and Paisley South. The studies concluded these networks would not be financially viable and therefore will not progress. We are seeking to replace gas boilers with a shared ground source loop array at Gallowhill and Glencairn Courts (180 Units), subject to funding support from Scottish Government. Funding application has been submitted and a tender issued seeking contractors to carry out the works (subject to funding award). 23 Encourage and support owners and private landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their properties to meet specific targets, 2017-2019 SHCS average SAP of 71 for Council stock and 68.2 for owner occupied stock Annual SHCS The Council’s Energy Management Unit manage ECO Flex 4 funding. The (Energy Company Obligation) ECO Flex4 is a UK Government energy efficiency scheme administered by Ofgem with the aim to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty by improving the energy efficiency of homes occupied by low income, fuel poor and vulnerable households. It applies to: Private housing in Renfrewshire; fuel-poor households that do not meet criteria for other schemes; low-
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reduce fuel bills and carbon emissions; accessing funding opportunities as appropriate, to achieve this. income or vulnerable households that are vulnerable to the effects of the cold, energy inefficient homes who may benefit form heating and energy saving measures. It does not apply to Council Housing or Registered Social Landlords. The Council’s energy advocates support residents of all tenures within Renfrewshire. This includes fuel debt, supplier disputes, priority service provision, supplier switching and energy use. In 2023/24 Renfrewshire Council requested £3,583,940 grant resulting in a total annual consumption saving (kW) of 1,310,162 and a total annual CO2 saving (Kg) of 648,617 and a total annual cost saving of £231,789. 24 (a) Private housebuilders will be required to meet the New Build Heat Standard Regulations effective from 1 April 2024 for new buildings that apply for a building warrant. (b) Where feasible, new developments will connect to heat networks where developments are within heat network zones to provide N/A Number of new private homes built with alternatives to gas boiler systems Number of newbuild private homes connecting to heat networks. a) Building Regulations were amended as of 1 April 2024 to reflect the New Build Heat Standards, meaning that direct emission heating systems (like gas and oil boilers) will not be allowed in new buildings applying for a building warrant from this date. Part A of Action 24 is now complete. b) The LHEES notes matching the local demand with local supply with new developments having significant potential for infrastructure to be implemented bringing opportunities for sustainable, resilient communities. Internal LHEES officer working group meetings are held regularly to identify and optimise opportunities and/or discuss projects and progress.
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energy efficient homes that reflect Renfrewshire Council’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions 25 Work towards meeting the national fuel poverty targets and reducing the amount of people affected by fuel poverty across Renfrewshire. 2017-2019 SHCS ‘Fuel Poor Households’ in Renfrewshire - 22% Annual SHCS At the time of this update, the SHCS local authority based data was not available and therefore no update can be provided against the baseline Energy Efficiency Ratings (SAP). Therefore, in the interim Renfrewshire’s Home Analytics data provides us with the following detail in relation to fuel poverty at September 2024: % of households in Renfrewshire with a probability of fuel poverty (more than 10% of the household’s net income required to pay for reasonable fuel needs to maintain an acceptable standard of living after housing costs have been deducted): 22% % of households in Renfrewshire with a probability of extreme fuel poverty (more than 20% of the household’s net income required to pay for reasonable fuel needs to maintain an acceptable standard of living after housing costs have been deducted): 7.4% The Council’s energy advocates continue to support residents of all tenures within Renfrewshire. This includes fuel debt, supplier disputes, priority service provision, supplier switching and energy
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use. In addition, the work of the LHEES will progress towards addressing fuel poverty and taking actions to address this. 26 The Council and housing associations operating in Renfrewshire will continue to provide good quality fuel poverty advice, income maximisation and information to tenants, owners and private tenants. 1,500 referrals received by Renfrewshire Council’s Advocacy Service for advice from Renfrewshire residents in 2022/23. This resulted in £475,028 in savings Number of referrals received by Renfrewshire Council’s Energy Advocacy Service from Renfrewshire residents and resultant savings achieved In 2023/24 there were 942 referrals received by Renfrewshire Council’s Energy Advocacy Service for advice from Renfrewshire residents. This resulted in £257,079 of savings. Work is ongoing to provide a high level of service from the advocacy team. This includes assistance with fuel debt reduction, help with supplier disputes, priority service provision, advice on insulation and heating upgrades, supplier switching and energy use. Due to the current UK energy situation, which is changing rapidly, the service is in a state of constant refinement to ensure that the needs of clients are met. During 2024 work to promote the service further has taken place, this has included the development of a new webpage, attendance at various community events and the creation of new promotional materials - to ensure that there is maximum awareness of the service and the assistance they can provide. In addition, locally Paisley Housing Association assisted 191 tenants with energy advice in 2023/24, increased from 176 in 2022/23. Making savings of £95,979, increased from £51,804 in 2022/23. 27 Support the preparation and implementation of a Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) N/A LHEES developed and approved The Councils Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) was approved at Infrastructure, Land and Environment Board in January 2024. Following on from this, the Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Delivery Plan (LHEEDP) was approved at Infrastructure, Land and Environment Board in August 2024. Development of Renfrewshire’s LHEEDP includes identifying:
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that sets out a long term energy efficiency and heat decarbonisation strategy for Renfrewshire. a range of projects and actions to be developed, with outline costs and carbon savings associated with the proposed interventions. an assessment of potential large-scale heat supply – not just looking at new infrastructure but also using existing infrastructure and assets (such as water sources) and innovative methods of waste heat recovery, such as those used in the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) district heating network in Renfrewshire. opportunities for partnership working and engaging with all key stakeholders throughout the process. The Delivery Plan will be progressed with the aim to deliver the actions within. Future updates will report on progress on housing- related actions contained within the Delivery Plan. 28* The Council and housing associations operating in Renfrewshire will work towards meeting the requirements and milestones of the emerging Social Housing Net Zero Standard (SHNZ) for social rented housing. N/A Strategies developed and implemented Since approval of the LHS in October 2023, EESH2 has been replaced by the Social Housing Net Zero Standard (SHNZ) and this action has been updated accordingly (in 2024 update). Scottish Government have not yet confirmed details of the final agreed SHNZS, which is to be implemented from 2025. Renfrewshire Council’s current retrofit design programme is ensuring there will be a bank of properties ready for next year’s investment programme that will ensure the council are meeting the energy efficiency standards immediately. Careful consideration of the replacement of fossil fuel heating will be required and we await the interim targets up to 2045, before a costed plan can be prepared.
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29 All Council newbuild homes meet or exceed Section 7, Silver Level Aspects 1 and 2 of the 2011 Building Regulations – energy for space heating. Silver Level achieved at Council development in Ferguslie Park for all 101 units of affordable housing built 2023/24 SHIP completions The Council’s new build housing specification requires that our new build homes meet Gold Aspects 1-8 of the Scottish Technical Standards (Domestic) as a minimum. All future planned developments will meet this standard. 30 The Council and housing associations operating in Renfrewshire will maximise the number of privately owned or privately rented properties who participate in energy efficiency and low carbon improvement activities, including Scottish Government Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based Schemes Renfrewshire Council final ABS funding draw down for 2022/23 was £1,259,033.26 allowing 91 owners to participate in external improvement works. 58 Council tenants within mixed tenure blocks benefited benefit from these works, funded by the Council N/A Renfrewshire Council has been awarded £2,061,138 for qualifying projects under the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficient Scotland Area Based Schemes (EES: ABS) programme for 2024/25. The projects included within the bid are: Renfrewshire Council mixed tenure blocks, external wall insulation and solar PV throughout Renfrewshire; Managing Agent for wholly privately owned properties; Renfrewshire Council Regeneration Area mixed tenure blocks in Auchentorlie and Howard Street. In 2023/24 the Council fully spent their £2,061,138 EES:ABS grant funding award, supporting the delivery of energy efficiency projects to eligible private owners across Renfrewshire. This included: the Council’s mixed tenure block investment project delivering External Wall Insulation to 90 flatted properties in the Elderslie area with the EES: ABS funding allowing 39 private owners to benefit from these works. Linstone Housing Association successfully delivered External Wall Insulation to four mixed tenure blocks with 6 private owners benefiting from funding.
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(EES:ABS), as part of the wider improvements to improve the energy efficiency of homes. The Wise Group are the managing agent for fully private blocks offering energy efficiency improvement works to eligible private owners. Measures include external wall insulation and solar PV installed for residents in fully private owned blocks and individual houses in Whitehaugh, Paisley. In total 69 owners benefitted from funding through the Wise Group projects. 31* Engage with private landlords to provide support and encourage energy efficiency improvements in line with proposals set out in the Heat in Buildings Bill. The 2017-2019 SHCS shows the Energy Efficiency Rating (% of Dwellings with an Energy Efficiency Rating (SAP 2012) of B or C) for privately rented homes as too small a sample to show. The Renfrewshire average for all tenures is 58% Annual SHCS Since the LHS was approved in October 2023, this action has been updated (in the 2024 update) to reflect the proposals within the Heat in Buildings Bill. At the time of update, the SHCS local authority based data was not available and therefore no update can be provided against the baseline Energy Efficiency Ratings (SAP). The LHEES area-based Delivery Plans have a focus on the least energy efficient properties and will identify clusters where targeted support and interventions can help to remove poor energy efficiency as a driver for fuel poverty and provide support across all tenures, including signposting for landlords where relevant and providing details of funding opportunities and financial support schemes available. 32 Promote and support available energy efficiency measures to both private owners and private landlords, including obtaining financial support. 2017-2019 SHCS average SAP of 71 for Council stock and 68.2 for owner occupied stock Annual SHCS annual reporting The Council’s Energy Management Unit manage ECO Flex 4 funding. The (Energy Company Obligation) ECO Flex4 is a UK Government energy efficiency scheme administered by Ofgem with the aim to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty by improving the energy efficiency of homes occupied by low income, fuel poor and vulnerable households. It applies to: Private housing in Renfrewshire; fuel-poor households that do not meet criteria for other schemes; low-
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income or vulnerable households that are vulnerable to the effects of the cold, energy inefficient homes who may benefit form heating and energy saving measures. It does not apply to Council Housing or Registered Social Landlords. The Council’s energy advocates support residents of all tenures within Renfrewshire. This includes fuel debt, supplier disputes, priority service provision, supplier switching and energy use, etc. For mixed tenure where Council still has an interest, if they are part of the Housing investment programme, owners and private landlords will be offered works which have been designed by the Council with funding options to help reduce the amount required. For fully private blocks in estates where works have previously been carried out, Housing Services have appointed a managing agent for the Scottish Governments EES:ABS funding, to carry out energy efficiency works. Strategic Priority 4: Prevention of homelessness and providing support for those in housing need. Action Baseline Indicator/ Measure October 2024 update 33 Review the Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan 2019-2024 and make recommendations on future N/A RRTP reviewed RRTP’s have now been extended by one year to the end of 2024/25 by the Scottish Government. It is anticipated that further guidance will then be announced on either an extension to RRTP’s for another year, or what will replace them. This will inform our future approach to tackling and preventing homelessness in Renfrewshire. Progress with the implementation of Renfrewshire’s current RRTP is regularly provided to the
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approaches to homelessness in Renfrewshire. Communities and Housing Policy Board, with a further update being provided to the Board in October 2024. 34 Increase the number and proportion of social housing lets being let to homeless applicants. 41% of Council lets to homeless applicants, 2022/23 Total lets to homeless applicants from Council and RSL: 171 to RSLs 318 to RC (as per ARC return) % of Council lets to homeless applicants No of Council and RSL lets to homeless applicants In 2023/24, 54% of general Council lets went to Statutory Homeless applicants against a target of 49%. For 2024/25, an increased target of 55% of general lets was approved by the Policy Board. RSL’s increased the number and proportion of lets to homeless applicants in 2023/24 and the need to continue this trend has been highlighted at recent meetings of the Housing Providers Forum. 35 Continue to strengthen the approach to prevention and repeat homelessness by providing holistic wraparound support to households in Renfrewshire. Housing First model can support 65 individuals at any one time via 3 different support providers (2021/22) No. of individuals supported via Housing First models The number of service users supported via a Housing First approach has been upscaled to 75 at any one time, from 13 at Year 1 of our RRTP in 2019. The ‘My Life Ahead’ project (MyLA) has been extended to the end of 2024/25 as noted in action 37 below, and this is helping to broaden the range of wraparound support services being provided, as well as a new, in-house, version of ‘Housing First’. Budget pressures may impact on the provision of wraparound support moving forward, given the costs involved. 36 Continue to assess requirements for temporary accommodation and provide 257 (2023) No. of temporary accommodation units The Council’s stock of furnished properties used to provide temporary accommodation for those who have nowhere to stay has been increased to c280 properties, which is helping Renfrewshire meet the legal duty to provide temporary accommodation for everyone who requires it.
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appropriate supply, in light of aims set out in the Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan and current trends in homelessness. In common with most other local authorities, the Council has had to use B&B to meet demand, although the numbers staying in B&B on any night have been kept low and have been reduced to zero during September 2024. 37 Build on the rapid rehousing approach to ensure access to specialist services is readily available via robust pathways for homeless people with complex needs, including mental health and harmful alcohol and/or drugs use. My Life Ahead (MyLA) established in May 2022 – 39 individuals supported in first year of operation Initiatives implemented Renfrewshire’s Alcohol & Drug Commission Programme Board have provided funding since 2022 for a My Life Ahead (MyLA) project which provides holistic support for families/ individuals affected by alcohol and drugs and who may be in danger of losing their home. Building on the concept that in order to have good health, you need a good home, MyLA now supports 25 – 30 service users at any one time and is delivering exceptional outcomes in terms of sustaining settled housing, and supporting service users to access the help they need. The service is currently being evaluated, and funding to the end of 2024/25 has recently been approved by the Programme Board CIRCLE recovery hub is a unique mental health and addiction service for people looking for a recovery focus. CIRCLE provide people with improved recovery opportunities and improved links to and from other related services, ensuring individuals feel sufficiently supported throughout their journey. CIRCLE continue to link with housing and homelessness services via the Housing Support Initiatives and Complex Cases Group using a multi-agency specialist approach.
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Strategic Priority 5: People can live independently for as long as possible in their own home and the different housing needs of people across Renfrewshire are being met. Action Baseline Indicator/ Measure October 2024 update 38 Work with partners and stakeholders to provide housing and housing related support opportunities for older and vulnerable people to help them live independently and healthily in their own home. RC completed 184 adaptations in RC stock 2022/23 Approx 130 installations of adaptations to private homes per year. Care and Repair small repairs service – 1,398 small repairs completed 2022 Adaptations completions Care and Repair Support provided During 2023/24 the Council completed 280 adaptations in its own housing stock, at a cost of just over £700,000. In 2023/24, Care and Repair Renfrewshire: completed 133 adaptations in privately owned homes completed 1,620 repair jobs through their Small Repairs Service for older and disabled people dealt with 154 advice cases 39 Support partners in the development and implementation of a Renfrewshire Dementia Action Plan reflecting the objectives and priorities of the N/A Action Plan Developed In February 2024, the Scottish Government published a two-year national Dementia Strategy, “Dementia in Scotland: Everyone’s Story Delivery Plan 2024-2026”. In Renfrewshire a lead officer within the HSCP has now been appointed to develop a Renfrewshire Dementia Action Plan and work will progress in 2024-25.
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Dementia Strategy for Scotland 2023. 40 Increase the supply of new housing that meets the needs of older people and those with mobility difficulties. New target for wheelchair and accessible new build homes included within this LHS Number of accessible homes completed. The following housing meeting the needs of older people and those with mobility difficulties were delivered in reporting year 2023/24: 20 amenity standard flats and 5 full wheelchair accessible standard flats at Abbey Quarter in Paisley. 40 wheelchair accessible homes at Ferguslie Park in Paisley including 20 bungalows, 2 houses and 18 cottage flats. 41 Work in partnership with the Housing and Social Care Partnership to identify specialist housing and housing related support opportunities for people with particular needs in Renfrewshire and in taking specific initiatives forward. Discussions ongoing with HSCP to establish the needs of particular groups Housing and housing support needs identified and met Liaison with HSCP is ongoing regarding specialist housing and housing related support requirements. Levels and type of needs are becoming clearer, however further discussion required on how best to meet this need within available stock and new build developments. Further work required in relation to those with most complex needs where bespoke accommodation is required including issues around what funding is available to help meet those housing needs.
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42 Continue to support the various refugee and asylum programmes including the provision of settled accommodation. Actions taken to support programmes and no. of tenancies provided Range of support provided Housing Services continue to support over 200 Ukrainian Displaced Persons households who have resettled in Renfrewshire since 2022 and those from Afghanistan and Syria who have arrived via other refugee resettlement programmes. The Resettlement Team assist refugees to find temporary and settled accommodation that meets their needs, as well as deliver and commission integration events. There also continues to be increased demand for services from Asylum Seekers staying in hotel accommodation who have received a positive asylum decision and who are then entitled to be provided with temporary accommodation and the right to apply for social rented housing. 43 Following the publication of the Scottish Government’s June 2023 Action Plan and the emerging associated toolkit, we will consider options to best meet the housing needs of the Gypsy/Traveller community. Number of unauthorised encampments in Renfrewshire: 2021/22: Zero 2022/23: 5 N/A The requirement of land/sites for Gypsy/Traveller housing needs is being considered as part of the Local Development Plan process. Publication of the Scottish Government toolkit is expected in 2025. * denotes action has been updated since 2023 Local Housing Strategy was approved.