Havering Council has become the first London borough to complete the opening phase of a major government-backed programme to upgrade social housing, while also rolling out solar power across its community buildings.
The Council has delivered the first wave of improvements under the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (SHF) Wave 3, designed to improve energy efficiency in homes across England.
In this initial phase, 21 homes have already been upgraded with external wall insulation, loft insulation and ventilation improvements. The programme, delivered by contractor BTS Property Solutions with support from Baily Garner, was coordinated locally through Warmer Homes London – a partnership led by the Mayor of London and London Councils.
For tenants, the results have been transformative. One Havering resident said: ‘I didn’t know what to expect… but it’s the best thing that’s ever happened. The contractors were very accommodating, and last winter I didn’t have my heating on once.’
Eleanor Purser, Interim Director for Warmer Homes London, praised the borough’s leadership: ‘This achievement by Havering is a great step toward a greener, fairer and more affordable future for Londoners. The first wave of work completed is an important example of good practice, and we’re delighted to be working with Havering to share learnings across London.’
Alongside improving homes, the Council is also investing in clean energy for its public estate. Nine corporate sites now operate live solar PV systems, supplying libraries, community centres and the Town Hall with renewable power.
The installations are already producing an anticipated 274,145 kWh of electricity per year, equivalent to the annual energy use of around 100 households. This is expected to save the Council £76,000 in energy bills and offset 175 tonnes of carbon in the first year alone.
Among the sites benefiting from solar energy are Romford Town Hall, Hornchurch Library, Rainham Library, Harold Hill Library and the Avelon Centre. Future plans include a 60 kW system at the central depot and an expansion of the Town Hall system to 90 kW, which together could lift savings to £100,000 annually.
Councillor Natasha Summers, Cabinet Lead for Climate Change and Housing Need, said: ‘This is a fantastic step forward in our commitment to tackling climate change and reducing our carbon footprint.
‘By investing in solar energy across our estate, we’re not only cutting emissions but also saving money. These projects support our wider environmental aims and show how local government can lead by example in the transition to a low-carbon future.’
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