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Decent homes repairs assistance

You may be eligible for this type of assistance if you own your own home or are a protected tenant, AND either claim a means tested, disability related benefit, or are over 60 on a low income. If you fall into these groups, Salisbury District Council might be able to provide you with financial assistance to cover the cost of essential repairs and to bring your home up to the Decent Homes Standard.

Download the Decent Homes repairs assistance leaflet 173kb or read our Private Sector Housing Renewal Strategy 281kb

What type of work can be undertaken?

• Items in serious disrepair ,
• re-roofing,
• new windows,
• work that reduces the presence of hazards,
• minor repairs including wind or weatherproofing a dwelling,
• works tackling defective or sub-standard drainage,
• electrical and gas safety work,
• the refurbishment and renewal of kitchens or bathrooms (in some cases),
• heating work,
• work to improve the property to decent home standards,
• top-up to a Warm Front grant.

The council will also consider allowing the grant to be used to pay the minimum insurance excess where works required can be claimed on an insurance policy.

What is the Decent Home Standard?

It is a standard described by government. It considers that a Decent Home:

• is in a reasonable state of repair;
• has reasonable modern facilities and services;
• provides a reasonable degree of thermal comfort; and
• has no Category 1 hazards, as defined by the Housing, Health and Safety Rating system.

What benefits do I need to receive?

You will need to receive one or more of the following:

• Pension credit;
• Council Tax Benefit (not 25% single occupancy reduction);
• Housing Benefit;
• Income Support;
• Child Tax Credit with an income of below £15,050;
• Working Tax Credit with an income below £15,050 (must include a disability element).

What if I’m not on any benefits and have a low income?

If you receive either the Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance, or are over 60 and on a low income, then the Disabled Facilities Grant financial assessment will be used to assess eligibility. Anyone assessed as having a nil contribution using this method will be eligible. Each household will need to be considered on an individual basis as the assessment is complex and takes in a host of personal factors.

What are the eligibility criteria for Equity Release?

You must be over 60 years old.

What allowances are available?

For assistance of up to £5,000 you may be eligible for a grant.

For assistance of up to £12,000 an interest free loan may be secured on the property for 15 years.

You may also be eligible for £1,000 towards fees and the set-up costs of Equity Release.

Who would undertake any work and ensure that it is to a good standard?

It is a condition of receiving financial assistance from the council that the work is undertaken by Anchor Staying Put. They will commission the work on your behalf using an approved contractor and ensure that the work is completed in a satisfactory manner.

How do I find out more?

Contact the Private Sector Housing Team on 01722 434503 or Anchor Staying Put on 01722 33391.