Written question WQ90560

Local authorities are supported financially through the ORP (Optimised Retrofit Programme) which will have represented a total commitment of £260 million to all partners over this term of government, of which circa £28 million has already been allocated to local authorities this financial year alone.

Within the current tranche, a total of 10 local authorities submitted proposals for ORP 3 Year 2 (2023-2024). The proposals will engage with almost 1300 premises in having retrofit measures.

Local authorities are supported to decarbonise the social housing stock with advice and information provided via the Net Zero Carbon ‘Hwb’ that will offer a secure and virtual space for staff from Registered Social Landlords, local authorities and members of industry to share best practice as well as to undertake research into decarbonisation solutions. They are also supported via Housing Decarbonisation Community of Practice events which are held every two months. The events share learning from the Innovative Housing Programme and the Optimised Retrofit Programme.

The recently launched Welsh Housing Quality Standard 2023 sets out a clear journey that social landlords including local authorities will be required to meet in the long term. Officials regularly engage with local authorities to aid in their understanding of the standards and help create a path to achieving the requirements and improving the well-being of their tenants.