District Dispatch 17 February 2022

One of our schemes is to make sure that rented properties have a good energy performance rate. It is now illegal for private landlords to rent out most properties with a low Energy Performance Certificate rating of F or G unless a valid exemption has been registered. Our Housing Standards team are supporting landlords to improve their properties and they can fine those who don't take steps to do so. If you own a rental property we are here to help. You can find information and advice on improving energy efficiency, including details about grants that you may be eligible for, on our minimum Energy Efficiency Standard Regulations webpage.

If you're a tenant in the district, you can find information and advice — including how to find out the energy performance rating of the property you rent — on our Energy Efficiency Standard Regulations webpage. On this page, you can also find out if you might be eligible for a grant to help improve the energy efficiency of your home. If you know that your rented property has an EPC rating of F or G, please let us know by emailing: MEEScompliance@chichester.gov.uk.

Another scheme that we have introduced is the Chichester Warm Homes Initiative. This scheme is for residents on low income living in a property with poor energy efficiency and could contribute towards the installation of an efficient heating system, as well as loft and wall insulation. If you know someone who may benefit from this, please encourage them to get in touch with our delivery partners, Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice Bureau  (opens new window) through their website or by calling 01243 974063. 

We have also launched a campaign to highlight the range of home energy efficiency measures that you can take, to both help you save money and protect the environment. Generating renewable energy in your own home and making it as energy efficient as possible are two of the biggest things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. Even small DIY measures, such as fitting a hot water cylinder with an insulation jacket, can save you £20 a year on your heating bill and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 150kg. It's also even as simple as making sure your washing machine is full before it is running and placing it on a quick wash at 30 degrees. It can save you money and help the environment. You can find more tips and advice on reducing your carbon footprint on our Climate Change webpage.

I'm also pleased to tell you that there is plenty of help available to assist you in cutting energy costs and carbon emissions from your home. The easiest way to find out what is available and to see if you are eligible is to contact our delivery partner by visiting Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice Bureau  (opens new window) online or calling: 01243 974063. 

Finally, this Thursday is Random Acts of Kindness Day. However, I want to thank those who are always carrying out acts of kindness in our district - and there are many of them! One of these individuals is Anne Adamson, who has led regular Heartsmart walks from Emsworth to Westbourne for 20 years - since we started the scheme! Anne has decided to hang up her walking boots and retire from her much-loved volunteer role. HeartSmart walks are run by our Wellbeing team and offer a free, healthy and social way to enjoy the natural beauty of the district and further afield, including the South Downs National Park. You can find out more on our HeartSmart webpage or call our team on 01243 521041. I'd like to thank Anne for 20 years she has dedicated to Heartsmart from both myself and all of those who have had the pleasure of accompanying Anne on her walks.

Best wishes

Cllr Eileen Lintill

Leader of Chichester District Council