Decision Maker: Mid Suffolk Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: December 9, 2025

Purpose: To seek approval for a Retrofit Advice/Cosy Hub Advice Service

Content: It was RESOLVED: -   1.1          That Cabinet approved Option 1, which outlined a comprehensive engagement and home energy/ retrofit advice programme, Retrofit and Energy Advice for Communities and Households (REACH), for the benefit of residents across the whole District.   1.2         That Cabinet approved the mixture of capital and revenue budget of £339,988 for this programme be funded from the Mid Suffolk Implementation reserve for the period 2025/26 to 2027/28.   1.3         That Cabinet approved that the programme be closely aligned with the Cosy Homes initiative and for it to be coordinated with work across housing, customer operations, and community teams so that a  unified and efficient approach was ensured.   REASON FOR DECISION   With energy bills still high by recent historical standards, homes contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and having adequate heating and power critical for our wellbeing, household energy efficiency and decarbonisation remained a national and local priority. Households could face confusing options, complex criteria, disparate services, and unclear pathways to gaining support for reducing energy bills and improving the energy efficiency of their properties.   This proposal responded to the specific challenges of the District such as rural isolation, off-gas homes, and heritage properties. It mobilised officers and community champions to extend the Council’s reach, build awareness, and accelerate uptake of energy-saving actions and the drawdown of available funding for improving homes.   The Council was best placed to lead a programme designed to utilise and integrate local connections, services and capacity to greater effect through coordination and consolidation. The dedicated resources of this programme would help simplify choices and guide residents through their energy journey, and enabled Mid Suffolk’s ambitions to support the improvement of energy efficiency of homes in the district and supported landlords and homeowners in moving towards zero-carbon living.   Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: Do nothing and rely on existing local and national provision. This option was not recommended.   Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None Any Dispensation Granted: None