This is a discretionary assistance and subject to available resources. The aim of providing this discretionary assistance is to ensure that vulnerable people remain safe and healthy in their homes. It is available for households that do not have the financial resources to pay for necessary works to their home. Assistance will be given for works considered to be a serious hazard under the Housing Health and Safety Ratings System (HHSRS). For further advice about the HHSRS please visit the Repairs Page. If demand for assistance exceeds the budget available, the Council would not maintain a waiting list.
Eligible Applicants
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Available to carry out works to allow persons to remain in their home.
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Owner-occupiers or private tenants (with a repairing responsibility) having savings of less that £16,000 and in receipt of one or more of the following means tested benefits:-
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Working Tax Credit (with an income, after tax, of less than £15,460)
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Income Support
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Housing Benefit/Universal Credit/Council Tax Benefit (doesn't include single person or disabled person discount)
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Pension Guarantee Credit (not pension saving credit)
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Jobseekers allowance (JSA) (income based only)
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Employment Support Allowance (ESA) (income related)
Qualifying Criteria
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A permanent and legal residence including dwellings, mobile homes and houseboats.
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Property in need of essential repairs as determined by the Housing Act 2004 as a ‘Category 1 Hazard' or a significant ‘Category 2' under the Housing Health and Safety Ratings System in order to make the property healthy, safe, wind and weather-proof.
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Assistance may be prioritised based upon the hazard score or circumstances of the applicant.
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The Council will not consider an application for assistance in respect of premises built or converted less than 10 years from the date of application.
Conditions
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Only one application for assistance will be considered up to a maximum of £10,000 within any 5-year period, (this condition is at the discretion of the Strategic Housing Services Manager and only in exceptional circumstances will it be waivered).
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The assistance is repayable in full to the Council should the property be disposed of or sold. A life time local land charge will be placed on the property.
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Must have lived at the relevant property for at least 12 months.
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Once approval has been given, the applicant has until 12 months from the date of approval to complete the works.
Maximum Grant
£10,000
Applying
Milbrook Health provides independent advice, support and practical help to older people, people with disabilities and those on low incomes who need to repair, improve or adapt their homes. If you require further information please see Milbrook Health details below:
Millbrook Health Telephone: 03301248205
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.