15 September 2008
Decent Home Assistance for Wealden residents
Wealden District Council is to spend £121,000 over the next three years to help vulnerable people improve the standard of their own homes.
"We want to help Wealden residents who do not have a 'decent home'," said Councillor Dick Angel, Cabinet Member for Housing. "Some home owners cannot afford to carry out much needed repairs and renovations to their property. We want to help such people ensure their home is warm, has modern facilities and is wind and weather-tight."
Using new funding from the South East Regional Housing Board, the Decent Home Assistance scheme aims to help home owners who are in receipt of certain benefits to make repairs and improvements to their home.
A 'decent home' is one that meets current minimum health and safety standards; is in a reasonable state of repair; has reasonably modern facilities; and has reasonably efficient and effective heating.
Assistance will be means-tested - but if people are in receipt of an income-related benefit they would normally be eligible for a 100% grant. If they get a non-income-related benefit, they will have a financial assessment and may have to make a contribution towards the cost of any works.
The grant is discretionary and the amount to be given will be decided on the merits of each case. Any assistance given will be registered as a charge against the property and will be repayable if the property is sold.
Further details about the eligibility criteria and what constitutes a decent home are available from the Property Services Team:
Telephone: (01323) 443321
Fax: (01323) 443349
Minicom: (01323) 443331
Email: privatehousing@wealden.gov.uk
