Grants and Loans FAQs

1. Q - I am not on a means-tested benefit.  Can I get a grant to pay for repairs to my property?
   A - You may still qualify for a grant or loan, subject to a means test, if you are on a low income or the works are extensive
2. Q I need to have repairs carried out to my house that will cost £5,000.  Can I have a grant for £1,000 and a loan for the rest?
   A - No, you can’t have both.  In this case, we would offer a Home Improvement Loan.
3. Q - Why can’t I get a grant for unblocking a drain/replacing a ball valve etc?
   A - These are works of routine maintenance that all owners must be prepared to carry out.  The grants system is designed to help owners on low incomes carry out works of repair or improvement that they could not otherwise afford.
4. Q - My boiler is 20 years old, can you help?
   A - The decent homes standard defines a boiler as being ‘old’ when it is over 15 years old. However, to fail the standard, it must also be in ‘poor condition’. This means that it must require a major repair or replacement. If it fails the standard, we may be able to help with a grant or loan (subject to a means test).
   
   We may also be able to help, even if your boiler is working well, if it is very inefficient. We will carry out an energy efficiency survey of your property and, if the result shows that your property will not reach our target level (after the installation of loft and cavity wall insulation), we may be able to help you with a grant or  loan (subject to a means test).
5. Q - I am over 60 and I’m worried that the electrics in my house are dangerous.  Can I get a grant to pay for a wiring test?
   A - If you are aged 60 or over, we may be able to offer a Home Safety Grant.  If the report shows that the wiring is dangerous we can then help you with a loan to get the works done.
6. Q - My property can’t be adapted for my disabled husband/wife, can you help me to move?
   A - We may be able to help you with a relocation grant to help with the cost of moving (subject to a means test).
7. Q - Why do I have to repay the grant/loan when I move?
   A - The Council has a limited amount of money available to help home owners.  By requiring the grant/loan to be re-paid, we can re-use the money to help others.  Ultimately, responsibility for maintaining a property rests with the owner, not the Council.
8. Q - Why are you giving grants to owners of empty properties?
   A - We’re not! However, empty properties are a waste of housing accommodation and the Council is keen to see all long-term vacant properties brought back into use.  So, in certain circumstances, we will offer a Home Improvement Loan if the owner isn’t able to pay for the works themselves and the property isn’t suitable for occupation in its current state.
9. Q - I don’t want to have loft insulation put in, but I would still like a new boiler. Is this ok?
   A - No, we would not pay for any improvements to your heating until you have had loft AND cavity wall insulation installed (where they can be fitted).  We are committed to improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions and the installation of insulation is the best way of doing this.
10. Q - I have had a minor works grant, but something else has gone wrong.  Can you help me again?
    A - Yes, subject to you meeting all eligibility criteria.  BUT remember, you can only have up to £1,000 of grant assistance in any 12 month period.
11. Q - Can I have a grant to upgrade my heating controls?
    A - If the energy efficiency of your property does not reach our target level after the insulation of loft and cavity wall insulation we may be able to help you with a loan to replace your boiler and provide more efficient heating controls (subject to a means test).