| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Cutbacks? What cutbacks? | |
| Posted by: | Vanessa Smith | |
| Date/Time: | 17/07/13 11:20:00 |
Renovation / Home Repairs Assistance Grants Please note that this is under review and we envisage that the new Policy will be introduced in May 2007. If you own or live in a private sector property in Hounslow, and the property needs repairing to bring it up to a reasonable standard, you may be eligible for a grant from us. Who can apply for this grant? Who will qualify? What works can be carried out? How will the grant be calculated? Are there charges? Is there a limit to this grant How do I apply? Who can apply for this grant? Applicants applying for grant assistance must be aged over 18 years, and be a UK citizen or ordinary resident in the UK not subject to immigration control, to have a UK National Insurance Number. back to top Who will qualify? To qualify for either grant; ◾ ·The property must be in the London Borough of Hounslow. ◾ ·The applicant must be an owner-occupier, or be a tenant with repairing responsibility. ◾ ·The applicant must have lived and owned the property from the last 3 years. ◾ ·The applicant / partner or member of the household does not own another property in the U.K. or abroad. ◾ ·The applicant / partner has not received any other Discretionary Grant in the past 5 years (excluding energy efficiency and minor adaptations) ◾ ·The applicant has not been a recipient of a partially funded Disabled Facility Grant in the past 5 years. In addition for Renovation Grants; ◾ Have reached the sufficient points level, which will prioritise properties that are a Health and Safety risk to the occupants. ◾ ·The property must not have more than two unoccupied bedrooms. ◾ ·The applicant / partner has not acquired the property under the Right to Buy Scheme within the last 5 years. Please note that priority will be given to properties that have a Council Tax banding of A, B, C and D and acquire adequate points in accordance with the councils point assessment system. back to top What works can be carried out? Renovation Grants: ◾ Structural stability ◾ ·Dampness ◾ ·Toilet provision ◾ ·Electrics ◾ ·Drainage ◾ ·Bathing ◾ ·Kitchen facilities Home Repairs Assistance: A typical Home Repair Assistance Grant will include works for securing the basic fabric of a property from wind or rain, protecting the occupants from immediate danger, insulation, replacement of lead pipes, repair to windows or doors and minor adaptations. Once you have contacted Private Sector Housing Unit, a technical officer will be sent to you, who will evaluate the works required and whether you are eligible for the grant assistance. back to top How will the grant be calculated? This is a discretionary and a means-tested grant and all resident household members will be subject to a means test. The amount of grant will be the difference between the amount of the assessed contribution and the total cost of the eligible work. back to top Are there charges? The grant given will be registered on the Local Land Charges for 5 years and the whole grant will be repayable if the property is sold within that period. Please be aware that you will not get any grant if you start work before the council approve the application. back to top Is there a limit to this Grant? The Renovation grant will be capped at a maximum of £15,000 and the Home Repairs Assistance grant will be capped at a maximum of £5,000. back to top How do I apply? You can now fill out the Renovation or Home Repair Grant - Preliminary Questionnaire online. If you would like a paper form, please contact: Private Sector Housing Unit Civic Centre Lampton Road Hounslow Middlesex TW3 4DN Tel: 020 8583 3876/3877 Fax: 020 8583 3990 Minicom: 020 8583 3900 E-mail: privatesectorhousing.grants@hounslow.gov.uk |