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Introductions and Apologies
Review of Make Up of Sub Group
The meeting was attended by people from a good range of sectors, although it was agreed some key representatives were missing. There was no attendee from the health sector, or from social services. Other suggestions were residents groups, landlords, Energywatch, the Devon Disability Forum, members of voluntary groups and tenants representatives. Also, more representation from housing associations would be desirable.
ACTION: JH & FS to contact social services in Torbay and Devon respectively, GH to contact residents groups, landlords & Energywatch, JP to find a tenants representative and communicate with voluntary groups, JV to contact Alms houses, JN & GD to contact Devon Disability Forum and FS to also encourage representation from other housing associations. ME to contact Dr. Noel Olsen.
Chairs Report (Selection of Chair)
Fiona Swan fed back results of the steering group meeting, please find the minutes of this meeting attached for your attention.
It was decided that Graham Horler would remain chair of this sub group.
Sub Group Action Plan
The action plan was reviewed and a few areas were selected as ‘quick wins’ which the group would begin working on immediately.
It was suggested the group should begin a Devon wide marketing campaign. Many suggestions were made for the format and content of this, and it was decided four members of this sub group would take on the project, namely Katie Shears, Fiona Swan, Jean Parbrook and Sam Robinson. A suggestion was also made that a press release could be written introducing DSEN, which could also launch the marketing campaign and expel some of the myths regarding energy efficient technologies.
ACTION: KS to liaise with FS, JP & SR and return marketing plan by end of July. KS to also write a press release.
It was also discussed that a reduction in council tax for residents with properly insulated homes would be beneficial, and that all members of the group could take action to make this happen.
ACTION: All group members to lobby MP’s on this subject.
A suggestion was made that a booklet on energy efficiency should go out with planning applications, possibly incorporating information on grants etc.
ACTION: FS to review this at the planners meeting on 24.06.05.
Other points discussed included a Devon wide home visiting service, the availability of alternative fuels & technologies, locally based advice and the concept of rural energy champions, and rewards schemes for private sector landlords. Training in energy awareness was also discussed, and it was brought to the groups attention that Devon EEAC has funding for four free energy awareness courses to create community champions. Any suggestions for areas which would benefit from these courses should be emailed to fiona@devon-energy-advice.co.uk . On the subject of training, it was suggested training in local authorities could be funded by money from PCT’s.
ACTION: ME to investigate if this is possible.
Please find a revised domestic energy and health action plan attached.
Projects Update
Grace Daniels reviewed the Warm Up West Devon initiative.
Graham Horler talked about measurable HEC results.
Sam Robinson gave details of Warm Front 2.
Jean Parbrook spoke about the council tax reduction for cavity wall insulation.
Martin Eibl informed the group that the NEA has money to improve community buildings.
AOB – none
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday 27th September
Committee Room A, Northcott house
Exeter University
10.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.
