The Council's housing grants policy provides:
Home Repair Grants for eligible persons over 60 and in receipt of a means tested benefits or on low incomes and to persons under 60 verified as having long-term disability. Such grants are available for essential repairs, energy efficiency measures, fire detection and security installations. The nominal upper limit is £5,000, although the Council has discretion to increase this amount where a property is both unfit and in disrepair. Conditions are applied to these grants in the event that the property is sold within five years of approval.
The HouseProud equity release scheme, facilitated by the Home Improvement Trust, offers access to risk-free loans designed to meet the needs of older or disabled home owners who need repairs or alterations to their homes. The Council is able to contribute to the cost of works in appropriate circumstances and will supervise the projects if required.
Mandatory Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) of up to £25,000 are available for owner-occupiers (and public sector tenants) following assessment by an Occupational Therapist. These grants are means tested and could, in appropriate circumstances, be supplemented by additional funding from Social Services. Works typically include stair-lift provision, bathroom adaptation, ramps, and grab rails in the home. In order to qualify, clients must be assessed as being in a "high need" category by an Occupational Therapist. The cost of providing DFGs is shared between Councils and the Government on a 40:60 basis.
Our in-house Care and Repair Agency can check your eligibility for these grants / loans. The Agency also provides a range of other services, including advice on safety and security within the home, entitlement to welfare benefits and information about other agencies or services that may be able to improve your quality of life.
