Financial Assistance for Owner Occupiers for Housing Repairs
Responsibility for the maintenance and repair of private housing has always rested, and continues to rest, with the property owner and as such, financial assistance for individuals is not generally available.
However, Pendle Borough Council realises that there may be situations where an owner's circumstances and the condition of the property means that vital maintenance and repairs are not carried out. This can leave vulnerable people living in poor quality housing and the effects of poor housing on health have long been established. The elderly and young are particularly at risk from increased poor health outcomes.
Therefore, financial assistance may be available to those vulnerable households who meet all of the following criteria:-- The applicant is either; over 60 years of age and on a means tested benefit or the applicant is over the age of 18 and in receipt of a means tested benefit with a child residing at the property aged 15 or less or up to the age of 18 and in full time education at the time of the application and
- The applicant lives in the property as their sole or main residence and
- The applicant has an owners interest in the property (as defined by Section 101 Housing Grants Contruction and Regeneration Act 1996) alone or jointly with others and
- That the owner agrees to keep the property in their ownership and occupied for a period of 3 years following completion of the works and
- The property is in Council Tax band A-C and
- The property is occupied.
For the purposes of the Housing Renewal Policy, a 'means tested benefit' is limited to Income Support; Income Based Job Seekers Allowance; Housing Benefit; Council Tax Benefit or Guaranteed Pension Credit.
Should all the above criteria be met by an owner/occupier, the Home Improvement Service may arrange an inspection to ascertain if there are any serious hazards identified by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. Minor Works Assistance is awarded at the Council's discretion, and subject to sufficient finance being made available.
Once inspected, Minor Works Assistance can be offered to remove identified hazards in a property, up to a maximum of £5000. There is no contribution towards this form of assistance.
The Home Improvement Service operates an Agency Service to assist clients through the whole assistance process, from completion of all relevant documentation to employing and supervising builders whilst on site. There is a charge for providing the Agency Service but these fees would be included in any approved assistance.
For any further information, please contact the Housing Regeneration Service on 01282 661004 or email Housing Regeneration
