Decision details

This report sets out the proposed ECO Flex scheme and Memorandum of Understanding which sets out the arrangement with Agility Eco, who will be administering parts of the scheme on behalf of the Council.

This report also sets out the proposed information sharing agreement between the Council and Agility Eco.

That the Director of Housing & Neighbourhood Services:

(1)      approves the Council entering into the Memorandum of Understanding with Agility Eco; and

(2)      approves the Council entering into the information sharing agreement with Agility Eco.

The ‘HLT LA Flex Report’ provides detail on how these options were evaluated.  In brief, to deliver this internally may have resulted in higher administrative cost to the Council, more risk and lack of speed and scale on which to mobilise the scheme in order to maximise the benefits for Sheffield residents.

Through the soft marketing testing there were several organisations identified operating in this field.  Agility Eco were selected above the others based on:

·       Their unique proposition to combine the ECO Flex scheme with their LEAP (Local Energy Advice Partnership) offer to provide households a more comprehensive service and support.

·       Agility’s proposals for administering ECO Flex, including how it could be combined with other grant fund initiatives and simplified through a single brand – Sheffield Warm homes.

·       Agility’s track record in other areas of the country for delivering success.

·       Strong supply chain links, robust quality assurance and onboarding focussed on local organisations.

·       Existing links with numerous other voluntary/ charity/ support organisations across the city to provide a more integrated approach across communities.

There were two primary considerations:

(i)       Whether the Council would administer the scheme entirely in-house, or to utilise a delivery partner?

(ii)      Which organisation to partner with?