Havering Council completes first wave of social housing upgrades

Key Points

• Havering Council is the first London Borough to complete the initial wave of social housing retrofit upgrades under the government-funded Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (SHF) Wave 3.
• The programme aims to improve energy efficiency to reach Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C or better by 2035.
• 21 social housing properties received upgrades including external wall insulation, loft insulation, and ventilation improvements.
• Work was delivered by BTS Property Solutions with support from consultancy Baily Garner.
• Tenant feedback highlights improved home comfort and reduced heating bills.
• Councillor Paul McGeary praised the professionalism of Council officers and contractors and highlighted benefits for residents and carbon reduction goals.
• Eleanor Purser, Interim Director for Warmer Homes London, sees this milestone as an important step for London’s energy efficiency and affordable housing efforts.
• The programme is part of a wider London initiative led by the Mayor of London and London Councils to tackle fuel poverty.
• Havering is also progressing a £1.5 billion regeneration programme to deliver 138 new affordable homes in Harold Hill and nearby areas.

What retrofit milestone has Havering Council achieved?

As reported by Katie Wright of This Is Local London, Havering Council has become 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. This milestone involved essential energy-efficiency improvements to 21 social housing properties, including external wall insulation, loft insulation, and ventilation enhancements.

The council’s success marks a significant step towards making its social housing stock warmer, reducing fuel poverty, and aligning with sustainability targets for 2035. The retrofit works were delivered by BTS Property Solutions with consultancy support from Baily Garner, signifying effective partnership working on this large-scale project.

What is the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (SHF)?

The SHF, reported by Havering Council on its official website, is a government initiative aimed at funding local authorities across England to upgrade heating systems and retrofit homes to improve energy efficiency. The programme’s overarching goal is to raise social housing to at least an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C by 2035 wherever feasible.

This fund tackles fuel poverty by reducing residents’ energy costs while also supporting carbon emissions reduction commitments. It is coordinated in London by Warmer Homes London, a city-wide initiative led by the Mayor of London and London Councils to scale energy efficiency improvements in social housing.

How have residents experienced the retrofit works?

A Havering social housing tenant featured in the reports by East London Times and Build News expressed great satisfaction with the upgrades, saying:

“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… Last winter, for example, I didn’t have my heating on once.”

This testimony reflects tangible and positive impacts on comfort and heating costs, underscoring the success of the retrofit works for improving living conditions.

What do local officials say about this retrofit achievement?

Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Lead for Housing Property at Havering Council, stated:

“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.”

His comments underline the council’s pride in advancing energy efficiency while also delivering social benefits to residents.

How is this retrofit milestone significant for London-wide goals?

Eleanor Purser, Interim Director for Warmer Homes London, remarked on the milestone’s wider importance:

“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 statement places Havering’s accomplishment within the context of London’s city-wide efforts to reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions in social housing.

What other housing and regeneration projects are underway in Havering?

Beyond retrofit upgrades, Havering Council is progressing substantial regeneration work, particularly with the £1.5 billion ‘12 Estates’ programme to deliver 138 new affordable homes in Harold Hill and surrounding areas. This project, in partnership with Wates Residential, includes wheelchair-accessible homes and residences aimed at young people living independently.

These ongoing efforts illustrate Havering’s broader commitment to improving housing quality and availability while integrating sustainability goals for the community’s long-term benefit.

What does this mean for residents and the community?

The first wave of retrofit upgrades has already improved the quality of life for residents by reducing energy costs and enhancing home comfort. It supports Havering Council’s long-term carbon reduction commitments and exemplifies how social housing can be future-proofed to meet climate targets.