Decision details

The Director of Prosperity and Development sought approval from Cabinet to establish a new solar panel grant scheme  for residents of RCT, which supports the  Council’s Affordable Warmth Strategy 2019 – 2023 and the RCT 2022-25 Plan ‘Think Climate RCT’ - Making Rhondda Cynon Taf Carbon Neutral by 2030; and to extend the current domestic heating grant scheme until 2025 for residents of RCT, in order to repair, replace or install a new heating system and energy efficiency measures in line with the Council’s Affordable Warmth Strategy 2019 – 2023 and the RCT 2022-25 Plan ‘Think Climate RCT’ - Making Rhondda Cynon Taf Carbon Neutral by 2030.

The Cabinet Member for Development and Prosperity noted that the proposals would extend the current domestic heating grant scheme until 2025 for residents of RCT, at a time when energy costs are soaring to un-manageable levels. The Cabinet Member noted that the grants would support residents to repair, replace or install a new heating system and energy efficiency measures, which would play an important role in the current energy crisis and support the Council in delivering upon its climate change ambitions.

The Leader noted that the proposals were in line with manifesto commitments and commented that energy efficiency and the potential of self-generation had been a priority prior to the recent energy crisis. The Leader hoped that shared prosperity funding would be secured to fund the package.

The Leader advised that in September 2021, an Arbed scheme was targeted in the Penrhiwceiber area due to its high levels of fuel poverty.  The scheme ended in November 2021 supporting 142 homes, delivering 570 energy measures.  Of the 142 homes, 68% of these had Solar PV installed.  It was noted that the extension to include solar panels would have many advantages for households.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To approve the creation of a new solar panel grant up until 2025; and

2.    To note the positive impact that the domestic heating grant has had on residents of RCT and agree for the grant to be extended until 2025.