Improvements grants used to be available through local councils to help with
the cost of improving run-down homes to bring them up to a decent standard. These
days this single scheme has been replaced by a number of more specific grants
for closely defined purposes, for example, for those with physical disabilities,
or to improve the energy efficiency rating of a property.
They are all
discretionary grants and in each case subject to an appropriate means test. In
theory they can be claimed by any home owner, landlord or tenant. In practice
as councils have few funds to allocate most set strict criteria and little money
is actually available.
The Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration
Act 1996 defines the various types of assistance still available. These include
house renovation grants; common parts grants; HMO grants; disabled facilities
grants; home repair assistance; group repair schemes; and relocation grants. The
conditions and qualifications vary while the legislation gives local authorities
considerable individual discretion. If you think you may qualify for assistance
under any heading, we suggest you talk to the Local Council for initial advice.
