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Home improvements - housing renovation grant for a private property

Home renovation grants

Home renovation grants are provided on a discretionary basis to help bring unfit homes up to the housing fitness standard and to reduce, to an acceptable level, any significant risks to health and safety.

The assistance takes the form of a grant from the Council.

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Eligibility for assistance

Discretionary grants are restricted to:

1. Properties within the former SRB 6 Area. Bearpark, Bowburn, Brandon, Cassop, Esh Winning, Kelloe, Ludworth, New Brancepeth, Quarrington Hill, Sherburn Hill, Ushaw Moor and West Rainton
2. Owner occupiers and private tenants who have a legitimate and reasonable contractual obligation to repair and maintain their home, both of whom must have lived in the property for at least 3 years. The 3 year rule does not apply to first-time buyers or long term empty properties or to landlords who may also apply.
3. Properties in Council Tax bands A, B and C which in addition must be at least 10 years old.

In exceptional circumstances discretionary grants outside SRB Area 6 may be considered for;

• Emergency works with Officer / Portfolio Holder delegated powers.
• Dwellings which are uninhabitable.

Renovation grants are subject to a test of the applicants financial resources for owner occupiers and tenants up to a maximum grant of £20,000. For landlords the grant is 25% up to a maximum of £5,000. Qualifying works

At the discretion of the Council (and where the necessary works are beyond the scope of the home repair assistance), home renovation grants may be provided to help make the property safe and fit for habitation.

To qualify for assistance, a property must fail the housing fitness standard (as defined by section 604(1) of the Housing Act 1985) and/or pose significant risks to health and safety.

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Works to reduce significant health and safety risks

To receive home renovation grant, applicants must agree to carry out all of those works on the following list that the Council identifies as being necessary in order to reduce significant health and safety risks:

• electrical rewiring or repairs to an electrical installation to reduce the risk of electrocution and/or fire
• repair or renewal of a boiler or other element of heating or hot water system to reduce the risk of ill-health associated with living in a cold home or without hot water
• repair or renewal of floors and staircases that are liable to collapse or otherwise present a significant risk to residents
• repair or renewal of the walls and ceilings that are liable to collapse
• repair or renewal of windows or doors that are so rotten or otherwise defective that they are liable to collapse or otherwise present a significant risk to residents
• repair or renewal of any building element causing significant rising or penetrating damp affecting the internal fabric of the building (damp proofing works must be accompanied by a thirty year minimum insurance underwritten guarantee)
• prevent ongoing and significant structural movement (in most cases this will be achieved by funding the 'excess' payment required for insurance works to proceed)
• provide adequate space and a safe layout for the storage, preparation and cooking of food
• provide a bath/shower, wash-hand basin and toilet where current provision is absent or inadequate (if a property only has an outside toilet, for example)
• provide adequate foul drainage where current provision is absent or inadequate

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Means-test and amount of assistance payable

All applications for home renovation grants will be subject to a standard means-test. This will determine how much the applicant will be required to contribute towards the cost of the qualifying works.

The applicant's contribution will be reduced by the amount of any previous contribution they have made towards a renovation grant or a disabled facilities grant, at that property within the 10 years preceding the date the Council receives the applicant's valid application ( 5 years for tenants ).

The maximum amount of home renovation grant that can normally be paid is £20,000 less any assessed contribution from the applicant.

Enquiries and applications should be made to the Durham and Chester-le-Street Care and Repair Agency. Telephone number 0191 3753690.

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Other pages you may find useful

• Renovation grants (PID 433)
• Home improvements - renovation grants (PID 135)