SHDF funding supports retrofit plan for 2,000 homes in the North East

The properties will benefit from a programme of energy efficiency measures including loft and cavity wall insulation, ventilation, heating controls and low-energy lighting. Some will also benefit from extensive measures such as external wall insulation, floor insulation, and solar panels to generate clean electricity.

The organisation approached Prosper, a procurement consultancy which specialises in the delivery of bespoke end-to-end procurement solutions, to formulate a direct award with RE:GEN Group through Prosper’s multi-supplier, multi-Lot Planned and Responsive Repairs and Maintenance Contractor Framework.

The Framework has been established for clients who are seeking to cover planned maintenance work to properties as part of their annual programme of works and/or for responsive repair requirements

Rebecca Griggs, head of procurement at Prosper said:

"believe housing continues to demonstrate its commitment to make a significant difference to its homes – making them more energy efficient and helping to cut fuel bills for their residents and making the homes feel warmer. "Prosper is delighted to play an important part in this by enabling believe housing to put in place a compliant, cost-efficient and effective procurement solution. We’re looking forward to seeing the benefit this programme will have on the homes and communities they serve."

Ruth Dent, director of assets and compliance at believe housing added:

"Through this £13.7m scheme, we’re making homes warmer and healthier for customers, saving them money on their energy bills, reducing our properties’ carbon footprint, and supporting the green economy and jobs.

"It comes hot on the heels of our hugely successful scheme to upgrade more than 1,100 homes, which was part-funded from the first wave of the SHDF. Working with RE:GEN Group, we did what we set out to do and delivered light-touch measures at scale, with the bonus of using 100 per cent local labour.

"Customers tell us the work caused little disruption and they can feel the benefits in their home and on their energy bills. Retrofitting homes will have a significant role in helping the UK reach net zero by 2050 and we’re pleased to continue playing our part.

“We really value the role Prosper plays in ensuring we can deliver what we need to, with the right partners. The Prosper team is a true extension of our own and we look forward to the continued relationship with them on Wave 3 and more."