URL: https://democracy.stratford.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4073

Decision Maker: Head of Housing, Revenues and Customer Services

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: To award the contract for the delivery of works relating to Warm Homes: Local Grant for the period 1 November 2025 – 31 March 2028 to E-ON UK Green Funding Solutions Limited.  The contract to be awarded through the Fusion 21 Decarbonisation Framework. The new Warm Homes Local Grant (WHLG) will run from April 2025 for at least three years. WHLG replaces the previous Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) scheme, for which delivery services were provided by E.ON.   Under the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) guidelines for WHLG, Local Authorities are permitted to transfer delivery contracts from the previous HUG2 scheme to the new WHLG. The transfer of delivery contract was duly carried out and E.ON are currently delivering the initial stages of WHLG.   Council has undertaken a soft marketing exercise to identify any alternative providers who might be able to provide equal or superior services to E.ON for the remainder of the WHLG scheme. After reviewing the services offered by several potential suppliers, there appeared be no advantage to changing to an alternative supplier.   •              In addition, there are several advantages to remaining with E.ON for the remainder of the WHLG scheme: •              E.ON performed extremely well for the HUG2 scheme, exceeding the delivery targets, and are expected to continue to deliver the same high standard. •              E.ON have supported Stratford-on-Avon District Council with forecasting and specifications for delivery of the new scheme. •              E.ON have resources available and are able to complete works in line with funding timescales. •              E.ON can provide Stratford-on-Avon District Council with a full turnkey solution which enables Council to offer a broader range of upgrades to residents delivered by a range of subcontractors.   The District Council is a member of the Fusion 21 consortium and can therefore access the Fusion 21 Decarbonisation Framework for the award of contracts to fulfil the requirements of the Warm Homes : Local Grant.  E-ON are registered on this framework agreement and can be reappointed, as justified above and in the accompanying Call-off Report.   The contract is for the period 1 November 2025 to 31 March 2028 and is of a value of £1,959,786.15.   Stratford District Council is a small authority with a limited resources allocated to this area of work (0.6 FTE).  Consequently we require a third party delivery partner offering wide range of services to enable us to maintain our track record of high-performance in the delivery of these carbon reduction and energy efficiency installations/home improvements. These requirements include:   A strong track record of delivering installations for Home Upgrade Grant phases 1 and 2. Wide scope of available subcontractors to maximise the range of available measure delivery options. A large and robust organisation resulting in resilient and consistent delivery. To have an existing and efficient relationship with Act on Energy, resulting in ease of workflow processes. To have an existing relationship with Warwick District Council which compliments works planned under other funding streams (particularly ECO4). Familiarity with the WHLG scheme requirements and reporting mechanisms. Compliance with accreditation schemes such as Trustmark. Positive recommendations from existing partners. Full turnkey, flexible service, enabling the District Council to obtain additional support services as required.   E.ON fulfil all of these requirements. What separates E.ON from other potential service delivery partners is:   •              Their existing working relationship with our close partners (Act on Energy and Warwick District Council). •              Their national reach in relation to the range of sub-contractors they are able to call upon for installation – this will maximise the number of District residents we are able to assist. •              Their flexibility in providing a fully customisable turnkey solution which Council can adapt as required. •              Their strong track record in delivering installations for the HUG2 scheme in a timely and efficient manner. •              Their good performance under the Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme work undertaken between April 202 and 31 Oct 2025.   An open tender of this work was also considered however this was ruled out given the resources in place for this are of work, the time and cost or this type of procurement exercise and the risks associated with changing the contracted provider during an existing and ongoing grant programme.

Date of Decision: November 3, 2025