Key Points
- Havering Council is the first London Borough to complete the first wave of social housing retrofit upgrades under the government-funded Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (SHF) Wave 3.
- The scheme aims to improve energy efficiency of social housing by bringing properties up to an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of band C or better by 2035.
- Upgrades completed on 21 social housing properties include external wall insulation, loft insulation, and ventilation improvements.
- The work was delivered by contractor BTS Property Solutions with support from Baily Garner.
- These retrofit improvements reduce energy bills and support Havering Council’s commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction.
- A tenant expressed satisfaction, noting reduced heating use last winter and positive contractor engagement.
- Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Lead for Housing Property, praised the council’s professionalism and highlighted benefits for residents and net zero goals.
- Eleanor Purser, Interim Director for Warmer Homes London, hailed the achievement as a significant step toward a greener, affordable future.
- The programme is part of a wider London initiative coordinated by Warmer Homes London and led by the Mayor of London and London Councils.
What is the retrofit milestone achieved by Havering Council?
Havering Council has become the first London Borough to successfully complete the initial phase of upgrades to its social housing as part of the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (SHF) Wave 3, a government-funded programme aimed at improving the energy efficiency of social housing across England. The council has completed essential retrofit works on 21 properties, including external wall insulation, loft insulation, and improvements to ventilation systems. These upgrades aim to enhance resident comfort, reduce fuel poverty, and help meet borough-wide sustainability targets.
What does the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund entail?
According to the official release from Havering Council, the SHF programme provides funding to local authorities to retrofit homes and upgrade heating systems, focusing on achieving an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of band C or better by 2035 wherever feasible. This initiative seeks to bring vital energy efficiency improvements to social housing, making homes warmer and more affordable to run for residents, while aligning with broader carbon reduction commitments.
Who delivered the retrofit works and how have residents responded?
The retrofit works in Havering were carried out by BTS Property Solutions, with consultancy support from Baily Garner. A Havering tenant spoke positively about the experience and the impact of the renovations, stating: “I didn’t know what to expect… 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.” The feedback indicates that the improvements have made a tangible difference in resident wellbeing and energy costs.
What do local officials say about this retrofit milestone?
Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Lead for Housing Property at Havering Council, said of the milestone:
“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.”
This statement reflects the council’s pride in advancing energy-efficient housing and its commitment to environmental sustainability.
How is this milestone significant for London-wide energy efficiency goals?
Eleanor Purser, Interim Director for Warmer Homes London, a city-wide initiative led by the Mayor of London and London Councils, remarked:
“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.”
Her comment places Havering’s achievement within the wider context of London’s efforts to tackle fuel poverty and promote decarbonisation across its social housing stock.
What is the broader context of social housing and regeneration in Havering?
While celebrating the retrofit milestone, Havering Council is also progressing other substantial housing projects. For example, plans for 138 new affordable homes under the £1.5 billion ‘12 Estates’ regeneration programme are underway as part of an initiative to revitalize Harold Hill and surrounding areas. This project, in partnership with Wates Residential, will deliver a mixed set of new homes including wheelchair-accessible properties and homes designated for young people living independently. These efforts underline the council’s broader commitment to improving housing quality and availability while integrating sustainability goals.
What does this mean for residents and the community’s future?
The successful completion of the first wave of retrofit works shows a tangible improvement in residents’ quality of life by lowering energy bills and improving home comfort. It also contributes to wider environmental objectives by cutting carbon emissions from council housing. Additionally, ongoing regeneration projects across Havering aim to boost affordable housing stock and enhance community infrastructure, creating more sustainable, resilient neighbourhoods that can meet the needs of current and future generations.
