An £8.2 million government grant has been secured to retrofit social housing in South Cambridgeshire, cutting carbon emissions and tackling fuel poverty by making homes warmer and cheaper to heat.
The news comes amid a list of achievements for the district’s Housing Team in the last year - with funding now increased to £19 million to support energy efficiency upgrades for 610 homes across South Cambridgeshire.
The remaining funding is being provided through the Council’s Housing Revenue Account, which is supported by rental income from tenants.
Other achievements include delivering 58 new council homes for affordable rent, 10 for shared ownership, and 11 for temporary accommodation. In addition, the Housing Team achieved a 62% success rate in interventions that prevented homelessness for 278 individuals and families in 2024/25.
Cllr John Batchelor, Lead Cabinet Member for Housing for South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “This year’s achievements reflect the dedication and innovation of our housing team, who work tirelessly to ensure everyone in South Cambridgeshire has access to safe, affordable, and sustainable homes. From delivering new builds to supporting vulnerable residents and improving existing stock, we are proud of the real difference we’re making in people’s lives. Our work is guided by compassion, collaboration, and a clear vision for the future. As the Council looks ahead to 2025/26, it remains committed to delivering high-quality housing services that meet the evolving needs of its communities.”
Key achievements in the last year include:
- Publication of the Greater Cambridge Housing Strategy 2024–2029 which sets a clear vision for the future.
- Completion of the Gypsy and Traveller and Boat Dwellers Accommodation Needs Assessment, with a cross-departmental action plan now in place.
- Approval of an updated disabled adaptations and repairs policy, resulting in 66 mandatory and 36 discretionary grants for non-council tenants and owners.
- Construction has started on the Northstowe Unity Centre, a flagship community hub set to serve one of the district’s fastest-growing areas.
- Supporting the delivery of 525 affordable homes in the District in partnership with housing providers and developers.
- Introduction of a formal inspection programme for flat blocks and 100% safety compliance across communal areas.
- Support for 364 clients via the Visiting Support Service and 729 applicants housed through the Housing Register and Direct Lets.
- Installed 115 disabled adaptations, 397 heating systems, and 220 kitchens in our council homes.
- Returned 300 empty properties to a lettable standard.
- Completed £1 million in fire safety works and conducted 3,500 gas safety inspections.
- The first year of Tenant Satisfaction Measures was completed, with targets agreed for 2025/26 to ensure continued improvement.
- Delivered £4 million in home improvement measures to reduce energy costs.