DECC Local Authority Funds
ANNEX A
Application Form
Local Authority Competition
APPLICATION FORM
Please note: completed bids should be submitted by 5pm on 30th November 2012 by email to
xx.xxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xxx.xx
SECTION 1: To be completed by all applicants
1.1 Applicant Details
Lead Local Authority
Name of Local Authority
Norwich City Council
Name of contact within
REDACTED
the Local Authority
Address
Norwich City Council
City Hall
Norwich
NR2 1NH
Telephone number of
REDACTED
contact
Email address of contact
REDACTED
Other participating Local Authorities (add rows as needed)
Name of Local Authority
Name of contact within
the Local Authority
Address
Telephone number of
contact
Email address of contact
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Local Authority Competition
1.2 Proposal Summary
Describe the proposal and how it will be delivered. What will it achieve? Who will it
benefit? (max 300 words)
Enhanced support for existing collective switching programme and new affordable
warmth strategy.
Norwich City Council was the first city in the UK to start a programme of collective switching
and the 3rd local authority nationally. Our first tranche of the “Norwich Big Switch and Save”
was a great success attracting over 1,768 households over 5 weeks of marketing, which
equates to over 2.5% of the total population of Norwich.
95% of the participants who joined the project did so via the “on-line” route even though the
authority provided a “walk-in” and “call-back” facility. It has been identified through analysis
and discussion with local partners that to effectively reach the more vulnerable groups with a
scheme like this we will need to provide a more targeted “face to face” approach. We are,
therefore, looking to engage more directly with these groups when delivering tranche two in
January via this DECC funding bid.
Our proposal will provide trained officers with the skills to specifically assist vulnerable groups
such as the elderly through arranging “face to face” visits to their homes and through special
community events as well as providing comprehensive training and ongoing support to allow
local 3rd sector organisations to provide the same service.
REDACTED
1.3 Stakeholder Engagement
Describe how your proposal has been developed and will be delivered with local
partners – to ensure that delivery of measures reflects local conditions on the ground.
(max 200 words)
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Local Authority Competition
1.3 Stakeholder Engagement
Our proposal has been developed from the learning outcomes of our first round of collective
switching, delivery of work programmes such as discounted insulation schemes, work with
vulnerable groups via the NHS “Warm and Well” programme and our ongoing partnership
working via the consultation stages of drafting of our new Affordable Warmth Strategy, as
well as ongoing stakeholder engagement via our equalities work, and through our new
financial inclusion strategy.
We will work with all our key partners in different sectors to support the delivery of our
proposals and ensure a joined up approach to collective switching and the wider affordable
warmth work.
In addition the authority holds data which complements official statistics. Last year, using our
benefits data, we identified a group of vulnerable elderly residents who each received a
“Warm and Well” pack via our Neighbourhood Wardens. The feedback we had from these
residents was very positive. They really appreciated the contact from the wardens and we
also provided them with an opportunity to feedback to us any issues which we might be able
to assist with.
Finally we hope to engage with a Green Deal provider as part of our ongoing strategic
development and HECA work.
1.4 Value for Money
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Local Authority Competition
1.4 Value for Money
Demonstrate how the proposal will ensure value for money and generate net
benefits.
DECC funding for enhanced collective switching.
Norwich City Council’s collective switching scheme “Norwich Big Switch and Save” was
launched in October with the aim of encouraging households to sign up to stand a chance of
saving money on their fuel bills this winter. The scheme has been a success with a total of
1,768 city households signing up. Registration closed at midnight on Sunday 25th
November. Norwich was joined with four other collective switching schemes to get the best
energy deal. The overall average saving per household is a magnificent £171 a year. If all
citizens took up the offer £225,000 would potentially be saved from leaving our local
economy.
We are looking to make our second round of collective switching more accessible to the
most vulnerable in society by being able to target vulnerable people in fuel poverty through
face to face contact with them in their own homes and through specific community events.
We are able to make the best use of data already held by the council about some of the
most vulnerable residents in the city. By using joined up working across the relevant
departments of the council (housing, benefits, etc) and via 3rd sector participation we
expect to be able to help vulnerable people secure similar savings as those achieved in our
first round of collective switching ( approximately £170 per household per year). Any
income raised through the scheme via switching fees will be used to support the continued
delivery of our new affordable warmth strategy and our aspirations to the commitments
within the end fuel poverty coalition local authority fuel poverty commitment.
As a pioneer in collective switching Norwich City Council has supported requests from
other local authorities nationally as well as regionally to provide procurement, marketing,
legal and other advice. If DECC assisted Norwich City Council in delivering our second
tranche any learning outcomes in regards to the targeted work with vulnerable people
would be available to share as best practice. It is our ambition via a number of strategic
priorities to fully engage all members of society in the benefit of collective switching as part
of our work in regards to income maximisation and affordable warmth.
REDACTED
1.5 Project Milestones
Please give a brief summary of the key milestones from your project plan (including
dates). The project should plan for delivery by 31st March 2013. Describe briefly who
will deliver it and what will have been achieved by that date and an assessment of
the risks to delivery.
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Local Authority Competition
1.5 Project Milestones
A project plan has been provided to show the key milestones of our plan (including dates).
The final date for the end of the second tranche of the Norwich Big Switch and Save and
the “Warmer City” bid would be 31st March 2013. There is a period of project close down
and evaluation at the end of the project to allow the temporary project officers to complete
a 4 month contract. (Please refer to project plan)
The collective switching programme will be project managed by the council’s environmental
strategy team with the assistance of our communications team, customer contact teams,
revenue and benefits teams and relevant housing teams and 3rd sector project partners.
(Age UK Norwich, NHS commissioners, housing associations etc). To date the authority
has delivered one round of collective switching with 1,768 participants registering. The
project aims to attract 4,000 households in the second tranche, which in addition to the first
tranche would account to 6.5% of all households in Norwich.
Early analysis of tranche one has confirmed a 95% access rate via our web site. The
authority would like to enable more citizens from vulnerable backgrounds to access the
second tranche via the application to DECC.
The authority already participates in the NHS “Warm and Well” programme, however our
application to DECC for additional funding this winter will provide alternative resources over
and above those detailed in our Affordable Warmth Strategy. The project will be managed
by the environmental strategy team with the assistance of our communications team,
customer contact teams, revenue and benefits teams and relevant housing teams and 3rd
sector project partners.
Both projects aim to collate information for Green Deal and ECO funded projects.
Key Mile stones:
Advertise for new project officers via change agents - Dec 3rd onwards
Interview – 14/01/2013
REDACTED
Officers start with associated training programmes – 21/01/13
Compile needs assessment database – 3/12/2012
Communications and partnership working – 3/12/2012
Promotion and delivery of the “Norwich Big Switch and Save” tranche 2 – 14/01/2013
Close the scheme – 4/03/2013
Go to the market to negotiate deal – 4/03/2013
Present deal to public 5/03/2013
Close the Norwich Big Switch and Save 25/03/2013
REDACTED
Review and project evaluation 22/04/2012
Risks
All projects within the council are reviewed in regards to risk. Risks against non delivery
have been mitigated in a number of ways. Firstly the council has already delivered a
successful round of collective switching. The authority has therefore built up the processes,
systems and marketing strategy to enable a successful second round. Our partner IChoosr
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Local Authority Competition
1.5 Project Milestones
has already complimented the communications and marketing strategy used in round one.
We are applying to DECC to help develop our targeted “off line” options for vulnerable
groups as well as providing DECC with the learning outcomes via our links to excellent
research opportunities with the University of East Anglia.
REDACTED
1.6a Proposal Funding
DECC has three funds from which Local Authorities can bid for support. Please
indicate which fund(s) you would like to bid for (and the amount) in the table below,
and continue on to the relevant part of the application form.
Funding (£000s)
Fund
Complete...
Capital
Programme
Total
Fuel Poverty Fund
0
REDACTED
REDACTED
Section 2 + 6
Green Deal Fund
0
0
0
Section 3 + 6
Collective Switching Fund
0
26,000
26,000
Section 4 + 6
1.6b Other sources of funding (where applicable)
Please provide details of other sources of funding for the project. 1.6a Proposal Fu
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Local Authority Competition
1.6a Proposal Funding
Funding source
Capital
Programme
Total
REDACTED
0
REDACTED
REDACTED
REDACTED
0
REDACTED
REDACTED
REDACTED
0
REDACTED
REDACTED
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Local Authority Competition
SECTION 4
‘Cheaper Energy Together’ Scheme
4.1 Engagement with Vulnerable Consumers
Describe how the proposed scheme will effectively engage with vulnerable
consumers and the approaches that will be taken. Describe who the customers are
and how many you expect to engage with. (max 200 words)
Norwich City Council was the first city in the UK to start a programme of collective switching
and the 3rd local authority nationally. Our first tranche of the “Norwich Big Switch and Save”
was a great success attracting 1,768 households over 5 weeks of marketing, which equates
to over 2.5% of the total population of Norwich.
95% of the participants who joined the project did so via the “on-line” route even though the
authority provided a “walk-in” and “call-back” facility. It has been identified through analysis
and discussion with local partners that to effectively reach the more vulnerable groups with
a scheme like this we will need to provide a more targeted “face to face” approach. We are,
therefore, looking to engage more directly with these groups when delivering tranche two in
January via this funding bid.
Our proposal will provide trained officers with the skills to specifically assist vulnerable
groups such as the elderly through arranging “face to face” visits to their homes and through
special community events as well as providing comprehensive training and ongoing support
to allow local 3rd sector organisations to provide the same service.
The project aims to attract 4,000 households in the second tranche.
4.2 Innovation in Design of Scheme
Describe how the proposed scheme will demonstrate innovation – in the design of
the scheme and in the ways of engaging with consumers. (max 200 words)
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Local Authority Competition
Collect
4.2 I
ive s
nnova witching is p
tion in Desi redom
gn of ina
Sc ntly a
heme n
online process. This enables the providers to
ke
ep overhead costs low. However, this automatically excludes those who do not have
access to online facilities, for a variety of reasons.
We believe that by working in partnership with the voluntary sector we can take the scheme
out to those who may find it difficult to access online facilities. We intend to use the funding
to purchase mobile technology to take this service out to residents. We would provide
training for the voluntary sector on the technology, the registration process and how to
interpret energy bills which would mean they could use their contacts with the vulnerable
and the hard to reach to take the collective energy scheme out to those who may be most
in need, but least able to access online facilities.
We hope that by working with partners and utilising new technologies that we can help to
reduce the energy bills of those who may be least able to access this scheme.
Our 3rd sector partners have also suggested a more direct way to access the telephone
services. We hope the DECC funding will allow a telephone registration service as well as a
pre booked “call back”
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Local Authority Competition
4.3 Strategic fit
Describe how the proposed scheme will take a holistic approach to reducing
consumers’ energy bills. (max 200 words)
Improving energy efficiency is stated as a key objective in the Government’s recently
published Energy Efficiency Strategy1. The UK Fuel Poverty Strategy2 states that energy
prices are a key factor of fuel poverty alongside energy efficiency and household incomes.
We also anticipate that this project will align with priorities which will be set out in the
Government’s Fuel Poverty Strategy, due for release in 2013.
By targeting Norwich’s most vulnerable residents, we believe we can help to lower energy
prices and therefore reduce the extent of fuel poverty for people most in need in the City.
The Norwich City Council Corporate Plan 2012-15 has a corporate priority to:
reduce fuel poverty through affordable warmth activities.
This priority flows through into both the Financial Inclusion Strategy and the Affordable
Warmth strategy which have priorities to:
assist families to identify cheaper fuel options and helping them to switch
help people in the city to reduce their fuel bills
improve the energy efficiency of housing in the city
assist people in the city to maximise their income
Norwich City Council Affordable Warmth Strategy
www.norwich.gov.uk/CommitteeMeetings/Cabinet/Document%20Library/29/REPCabinet7A
ffordableWarmthStrategy20121114.pdf
Financial Inclusion Strategy 2012 -2015
www.norwich.gov.uk/CommitteeMeetings/Cabinet/Document%20Library/27/REPCabinetFi
nancialInclusionStrategy20120912.pdf
In tandem with our “Warmer City” project we believe that this project can assist us in
delivering all of these priorities.
1 DECC - The Energy Efficiency Strategy: The Energy Efficiency Opportunity in the UK (Nov 2012)
2. DECC - UK Fuel Poverty Strategy 7th Annual Progress Report 2009
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Local Authority Competition
4.4 Evaluation
Describe how the scheme plans to capture and share learning. (max 200 words)
Since starting our collective switching programme the authority has supported other
councils nationally to set up their schemes including authorities from: Surrey, Lincoln,
Ipswich, Oldham, Coventry, Rutland, Dover, Waveney. We have offered procurement
advice, as well as shared cabinet reports, and communications and marketing strategies
related to collective switching activities.
Through this work we have built up a useful officer list for knowledge sharing. We are also
providing advice and support to the local district councils of Norfolk embarking on a
collective switching scheme for the first time.
On completion of the project we intend to work with Professor Catherine Waddams at the
University of East Anglia (UEA) in order to conduct an evaluation of the effectiveness of the
scheme. Professor Waddams works within Competition Policy at the UEA and is currently
analysing Which’s Big Switch data. We wish to compare a predominantly online
methodology with the effectiveness of a face to face approach and in order to identify any
learning outcomes which can be applied when delivering future schemes, and in particular
when targeting vulnerable groups in fuel poverty.
4.5 Transparency
Describe how the proposed scheme will communicate transparently to ensure
consumers are informed and understand it, and are provided with key pieces of
information – such as any expected savings to be made by switching – that are
accurate and not misleading. (max 200 words)
By working face to face with residents the officer will be able to help the householder to
accurately interpret their bill by having direct access to the paperwork which will lessen the
potential for mistakes when interpreting confusing energy data.
When the registration is complete each householder will be taken through a summary of the
data before they are registered, to check for any mistakes.
Each householder will then receive a copy of this summary data.
After the switching partner goes out to the energy market for the most competitive deal each
householder will be contacted with full details of the offer available to them. If they have any
questions about the deal offered they will be able to contact us for clarification.
Each householder will be made full aware at each stage that they are under no obligation to
accept the deal offered.
Our promotional material will state that potential savings of up to £200 can be made. With
the face to face service we will be able to explain that this depends on the type of switch
being made e.g. dual fuel payment, and the method of payment being used e.g. direct debit.
Householders working directly with our officers will have a good opportunity to ask for advice
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Local Authority Competition
and support.
4.6 Project Costs
Provide brief details of the main activities that funding is requested for and the costs
of the project.
Deliverable
£000s
a. 3 x temporary members of staff (1 x 9 month contract, 2 x 4
REDACTED
temporary members of staff).
b. 6 x PDAs (2 for project officers and 4 for their 3rd sector)
REDACTED
c. Transport
REDACTED
d. Venues for roadshows, drop-in sessions, training, community
REDACTED
outreach
e. Communications, Advertising, Promotion, Media for new
REDACTED
DECC funded services
f. Evaluation and monitoring
REDACTED
Total cost of project during 2012-13
£ 46,000
Total funding contribution required from DECC
£ 26,000
SECTION 5
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Local Authority Competition
Renewable Heat Survey - Optional
SECTION 6
To be completed by all applicants
6.1 Declaration
The project funding that is being applied for is to fund either a new project in relation to
which no funding has been allocated or to extend an existing project. The funding will not be
used to replace existing funding for a project.
We confirm that local and community organisations are involved in the design or delivery of
this proposal, where appropriate.
We confirm that the proposed use of the fund will comply with all relevant requirements of
EU law (e.g. relating to procurement and State Aid law).
Name
REDACTED
Title
Environmental Strategy Manager
Local Authority Norwich City Council
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Department of Energy & Climate Change
3 Whitehall Place
London SW1A 2AW
www.decc.gov.uk
URN 12D/398