Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund
Introduction
Ashford Borough Council successfully applied for funding from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2 designed to decarbonise more than 700 homes and provide support against rising energy costs. The transformation of the council’s most energy-inefficient homes is now starting to go ahead after a successful application for Government funding of £5.1m.
The money from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is more than matched by a £6.2m contribution from the council. This £11.3m investment will ensure that all homes in our social housing stock are upgraded to an EPC ‘C’ rating – that’s a total of 727 properties.
Ashford Borough Council and E.ON Green Funding Solutions have come together to deploy a ‘fabric first’ approach to deliver big improvements to the structure or shell of each building. This will provide the most cost-effective and least intrusive methods of raising the thermal efficiency of each one. And don’t forget that these improvements will not cost tenants anything!
What will the funding go towards?
The money will go towards energy saving measures which range from external wall insulation, cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, solar panels, air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps and many more. We have selected properties because they have an energy efficiency rating of EPC D or below. In other words, we have chosen properties to ensure homes are warm, comfortable and contribute to energy saving. The Government states this could save residents hundreds of pounds a year on their energy bills once energy saving measures have been installed.
The council has been working in conjunction with E.ON Green Funding Solutions to help deliver energy-saving measures that will make a significant contribution to the selected homes. E.ON and the council's tenant engagement team regularly attend events for those involved in the scheme to meet with us in person.
When will the work start?
The project to improve energy efficiency in the chosen properties is starting now (January 2024). You might have seen a small site set up with a portacabin in the parking area behind Swan House on Bybrook Road, Kennington. This site will provide a base for the team from Baxter Kelly who we are working with to deliver the project in selected properties nearby.
Free home survey
All improvements are subject to a free home survey. There may be instances when a home is not suitable for some of the upgrades but this will be confirmed by E.ON when survey results are back. Please remember that I.D should always be asked for prior to allowing contractors access to your home. You will not be expected or asked to change energy provider at any time.
What improvements are planned?
Here is the range of improvements we plan to make – which ones are installed at your home will depend on the free survey which will be carried out as part of the process:
External wall insulation – this offers a way to make homes with solid walls more thermally efficient. By insulating the external side of the wall, you can remain in the property while we complete the work.
Cavity wall insulation – the cavity is there to prevent rainwater from penetrating through the outer wall to the inside of the property. However, unfilled cavities let heat escape and could be responsible for a third of all the heat lost from your home.
Solar PV panels – we will install solar panels on the roof, producing electricity which you can use for free, or you can be paid for any electricity you don’t use.
Loft insulation – this is a barrier of material in your roof space that traps heat. We will check the level of insulation in the loft and increase its thickness if necessary.
Under floor insulation – if your ground floor is suspended, we will look to install underfloor insulation.
Plus air source heat pumps.
Cindy's story: Living in a home "made for the future"
Ashford Borough Council’s bold plan to transform hundreds of its most energy-inefficient homes continues to make great progress. Using money from the Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund and a multi-million-pound contribution from its own budget, the council is delivering improvements such as air source heat pumps, cavity wall insulation, external wall insulation, new windows and doors and solar panels.
Benefits for tenants include reduced energy demand and lower bills; reduced carbon footprint making homes more environmentally friendly; and a warmer, more comfortable home to enjoy.
The council is working with E.ON, who take care of everything from surveying properties, recommending the correct improvements for each home, all the way through to installation.
So what do our tenants think? Cindy Burke is among a number of tenants in St Peter’s Way in Shadoxhurst who has had an air source heat pump fitted to her home…
How did you find the communication between yourself and E.ON?
Cindy was very happy with communications with E.ON. She felt kept up to date and in the loop at all times, and she could always communicate with someone on-site if she had any issues or questions. “Everyone from day one of the work has been so helpful and honest about what was happening in my house. There was never a point where I felt I didn’t know who to ask or what was going on.”
How did you find the installation process?
Cindy was very happy with the installer who worked in her home. Everyone was polite and courteous. “I was dreading having installers come into my house, but I was instantly greeted by some very polite men from Baxter Kelly. They let me know what they were doing along the way, and they even understood the stresses of school runs, working around me and my children.”
Have you noticed any benefits from having the energy efficiency measures installed?
“I noticed the benefits from day one after the workmen left. Not only do I have radiators that now work – they’re bigger and heat my whole house – but the water pressure is also much better. When I moved here, I knew oil wasn’t good for the environment but I was hesitant to switch to electric heating and water, even though E.ON reassured me along the way. Now I love it! I feel like I live in a home made for the future.”
Have you noticed a reduction in your energy bills?
“I have lived here for two years and the upfront cost of oil – £550 every six months – filled me with dread, as I’m a single mother receiving benefits. It’s a lot to pay in one go, plus the hassle of ordering it all the time. I used to worry I wouldn’t be able to afford to fill the tank, but now that I’ve had my first full month’s electric bill, I’m over the moon. It cost me £100.20 for a month all in, compared to about £80 just for electric. I no longer have the stress of finding money to pay for oil, and I now only have to pay one bill.”
In summary…
“I’m just over the moon! I wish I hadn’t had doubts. Looking back, I should have jumped at the chance and asked to be first in line when E.ON called me to discuss a new heating system.”
Spotlight on air source heat pumps (ASHPs)
Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) have several advantages over oil boilers, making them an increasingly popular choice. Here are some of the positive aspects of ASHPs in comparison to oil boilers:
Energy efficiency
Higher efficiency and reduced energy use: ASHPs can achieve efficiency levels of up to 400%, meaning they can produce up to 4 times more energy than they consume. In contrast, oil boilers typically reach around 85-95% efficiency. ASHPs extract heat from the outside air, even in cold weather, reducing the overall energy demand for heating.
Lower operating costs
Lower fuel costs: ASHPs run on electricity, which tends to be cheaper and more stable in price compared to oil. With the volatility of oil prices, an oil boiler can be more expensive over time.
Environmentally friendly
Lower carbon emissions and renewable energy: ASHPs generate less CO₂ compared to oil boilers. They are a key technology in reducing household carbon footprints and meeting climate goals. When paired with renewable electricity, their emissions can be close to zero. Since they harness ambient heat from the air, ASHPs are a renewable energy source, while oil boilers use fossil fuels.
Reduced maintenance
Fewer mechanical parts and longer lifespan: ASHPs generally require less maintenance than oil boilers, which have more moving parts, burners, and a fuel storage system that requires regular checks and servicing. ASHPs tend to last longer, with a lifespan of 15–20 years, compared to oil boilers which typically last 10–15 years.
Safety and convenience
No risk of fuel spills and no fuel storage: Since ASHPs don’t use oil or other fuels, there’s no risk of fuel leaks, spills, or carbon monoxide leaks, making them safer for homes. Unlike oil boilers, ASHPs don’t require bulky fuel tanks, saving space and eliminating the need for fuel deliveries.
Future-proofing for Net Zero
Alignment with green policies: As governments shift towards decarbonization, ASHPs are aligned with future regulations and policies aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels, such as oil.
Quiet operation
Modern ASHPs are relatively quiet compared to oil boilers, especially outside where the pump is installed.
In summary, air source heat pumps provide a more energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective heating solution compared to traditional oil boilers, while also offering increased safety and lower maintenance needs.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the scheme please contact us at SHDFtenantcontact@ashford.gov.uk.
Sign up to find out the latest
If you’d like to receive regular updates on the progress of this exciting drive to make your home more energy-efficient please sign up for updates by completing our online form.
SHDF newsletter
For the latest information about the project please download our SHDF newsletter [pdf] 1,360KB.
Face to face drop-in sessions
We are holding face to face drop-in sessions locally. This gives you the opportunity to ask any questions about these improvements, find out more about work that’s going to take place and the types of materials we’ll be using.
Wednesday 10 July - 10am - 3pm - One You Shop, Park Mall, Ashford Town Centre, TN24 8RY
Wednesday 7 August - 10am - 2pm - Singleton Village Hall, Hoxton Close, TN23 5LB
Wednesday 18 September - Time TBC - Victoria Park, Jemmett Road, TN23 4AD
Thursday 21 November - 10am - 2pm - Repton Connect Community Centre, TN23 3RX
Data Protection
Ashford Borough Council is the data controller for any personal information processed. Your information will be used to facilitate the home survey and any energy improvement works carried out. Processing is being conducted under a public task legal basis. Your basic contact details will be shared with an appointed contractors (E.ON and its contractors) in order to enable the works to be carried out as well as other departments within the council for the purpose of improving services, keeping records up-to-date and for the protection of the public fund, your information will not be shared for any marketing purposes. Any information collected will be retained on your tenancy file.
For more information about your data protection rights please see the Council’s data protection pages which can be found at www.ashford.gov.uk or contact the Data Protection Officer at: The Data Protection Officer, Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford, Kent TN23 1PL.
