Case study list

Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC

01/10/2008

Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council has developed a Domestic Energy Strategy for the period 2005-2007.The strategy has six specific aims that are related (either directly or indirectly) to meeting HECA targets:

• ensure the Council's portfolio of domestic properties becomes more energy efficient;
• encourage the uptake of energy-efficient practices across all tenures within the Council;
• identify and validate improvement targets which are realistic and achievable, and which reflect local, national and UK policy targets and drivers;
• work towards the elimination of fuel poverty and the provision of affordable warmth for all residents;
• reduce the incidence of illness and premature death caused by fuel poverty; and use the least environmentally-damaging forms of energy and reduce CO2 emissions accordingly.

For each of the aims, a number of objectives are identified along with actions, responsibilities, target dates and funding sources.This is a useful document in terms of identifying specific actions and lines of accountability. However, there was no comprehensive plan for assessing progress against the strategy and no evidence that progress was being reported to members. The Council intends to review the strategy in light of restructuring of the housing department following stock transfer.