25 July 2008Grants
A range of grants may be available toward the cost of renovating, improving or adapting properties. The following is intended to provide brief overview of the grants administered by Sevenoaks District Council.
Housing renewal policy
In 2003, the Council revised its housing renewal policy. It sets out the Council's approach to the maintenance, repair, improvement and adaptation of properties in private ownership. It also sets out the Council's position regarding access to financial assistance through housing grants and alternative funding (although some funding options require further investigation and development) and explains the grant process and procedures.
The policy has been produced in response to the Government's Regulatory Reform Order 2002 and came into effect at the Council on 1 July 2003. Click here to download the full Housing Renewal Policy (
PDF 191K file details).
Housing grants
If you are an owner occupier or tenant who needs to repair or improve your property you may be able to apply for a Renovation Grant.
If you receive benefits and need minor repairs or insulation work carried out to your home you may be entitled to a Home Repair Assistance Grant. If you are over 60 years old or disabled and are considering carrying out repairs or improvements to your home you may be able to receive advice and assistance from the In Touch - Home Improvement Agency.
If you or a member of your family are disabled and you need adaptations you may be entitled to a Disabled Facilities Grant. Please note that If you are a Housing Association tenant, you must contact the appropriate Housing Association in the first instance.
Grants are sometimes available for works within Houses in Multiple Occupation.
It is important to note that applications from owner occupiers and tenants are subject to an assessment of the applicants financial circumstances, sometimes referred to as a 'means test'.
If you are considering making an application for any form of grant assistance, you should contact the Council before any works start. You should be aware that all discretionary grants are subject to available funds. If you apply for a grant after the works have started you may find that the Council is unable to offer financial assistance.
Contact Private Sector Housing if you wish to make a grant application.
How long will the Council take to process a grant application?
The Council is required to approve or refuse a grant within six months of receiving a complete and valid application. In practice, the Council will aim to process applications within a much shorter timescale. Please ask the case officer for further information at the time of your application.
Further information regarding grant assistance may be found on the Government website www.communities.gov.uk.
Housing grants - the future?
The Government has reviewed housing grants. The discretionary grant system has been withdrawn, leaving the Disabled Facilities Grant as the only statutory grant local authorities have a duty to provide.
Existing grant legislation has been withdrawn and replaced with a broad power which allows local authorities to provide grants or other measures (for example, loans) toward the cost of improvements and repairs.
The Council will be reviewing its approach to grants and will prepare a revised policy, setting out the steps to be taken to finance future activity. This review will be carried out following completion of the Council's Stock Condition Survey in Autumn 2004.
It is important to stress that the Council can offer no guarantees regarding the future availability of grant funding. For further information on grant funding contact the Private Sector Housing Team.
Energy efficiency
Where appropriate, energy conservation measures will be incorporated within grant schedules of work. Such works may include the provision of thermal insulation to roof spaces, the upgrading of heating controls and the insulation of walls and floors (if alternative sources of funding are not available). For more information visit the Energy Efficiency section of this site.
This type of grant is used for the repair and improvement of sub-standard housing.
Typical eligible works include:
Renovation Grants may be available to owner occupiers and tenants (with a repairing obligation) who can prove ownership or residence for a three-year period. In certain circumstances, it is possible for the Council to waive this qualifying period - details may be found within the Council's grant policy.
Landlords may also qualify for a renovation grant providing the property is let on a residential basis.
The subject property must be at least 10 years old. Discretionary renovation grants are subject to a ceiling of £10,000 per application, imposed by the Council.
Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)
This type of grant is used for the adaptation of a property for the benefit of a disabled person.
There are two types of DFG, mandatory and discretionary. The majority of applications are for mandatory DFG and typical works include:
Mandatory DFGs are subject to a maximum of £25,000 per application. Works must be supported on medical grounds by the Occupational Therapy Bureau at Social Services and be considered reasonable and practicable by Sevenoaks District Council.
This type of grant is used to fund relatively low cost repairs and improvements.
HRA may be available to applicants aged 18 years and over who receive benefits. The maximum amount that can be given is £5,000 per application and normally only 1 application will be considered in any three year period.
HRA is normally only available to applicants who can prove residence for a three year period.
HRA is also available to occupants of mobile homes and houseboats, subject to certain qualifying conditions.
Typical works include the provision of thermal insulation measures (if alternative sources of funding are not available) and relatively minor repairs such as repointing and easing of windows and doors.
In Touch - Sevenoaks Home Improvement Agency
The Sevenoaks Home Improvement Agency was established to assist elderly residents (aged 60 or over) who were considering carrying out works of repair and improvement to their homes. In recent years, the scheme has been extended to include those residents (regardless of their age) who are considering adaptations for the benefit of a disabled person.
The scheme is managed by Hyde Housing Association and is funded by Sevenoaks District Council in partnership with Kent County Council.
The Home Improvement Agency can offer:
The agency can also offer help in carrying out minor repairs or major adaptations and are also able to offer advice concerning energy efficiency and home security.
The Sevenoaks Home Improvement Agency is based in Tunbridge Wells. Contact details as follows:
In Touch - Sevenoaks Home Improvement Agency
St Georges Centre
7 Chilston Road
Tunbridge Wells
Kent TN4 9LPCall 01892 519579
Access to the Home Improvement Agency services is entirely optional. Those considering works of repair, improvement or adaptation to their homes may also wish to consider the appointment of an independant building surveyor or architect to assist them in preparing a suitable scheme and in supervising works.
Handyperson service
The Home Improvement Agency also operates a Handyperson service and are able to carry out minor works such as fitting smoke detectors, easing doors and windows and minor plumbing repairs. Unfortunately, the Handyperson is unable to carry out gas or electrical works, decorating, gardening or any external works above first floor level.
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
Subject to certain qualifying conditions, HMO Grants and Common Parts Grants may be available to address problems relating to the means of escape in case of fire, inadequate basic amenities and disrepair. Contact the Private Sector Housing Team for more information on HMO grants.
