A to Z of services: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Print this page
Listen to our website
Change text size: A
A
A
High Contrast Version
 

Renewals Assistance

 

What is Renewals Assistance?
Renewals Assistance is discretionary assistance, in the form of an interest - free loan, secured against a property, which may be offered by the Council to an owner, or a tenant with repairing obligations, to make their dwelling decent and fit for occupation where it presently falls below the 'fitness standard' which is set out in the Housing Acts.

Back to top

Is the Assistance subject to any conditions?
There are a few conditions, one of which is that you obtain Buildings Insurance for your property. This is to protect yourself and the public money invested in your property.
Because the assistance is intended to get people out of their bad housing conditions, once granted, the assistance will remain for the duration of the occupancy. However, should you choose to relinquish occupation, the award is repayable upon disposal of the property. But there is no interest incurred during this period and you only have to repay the amount that you have borrowed.

For example, if you were to receive Renewals Assistance worth £10,000 and sold or transferred your property 20 years after receiving this assistance, there would still only be £10,000 to repay. This is regardless of inflation or any increase to the value of your property as a result of the work done.

CHECK THAT THIS SECURED LOAN WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS IF YOU WANT TO MOVE OR SELL YOUR HOME OR YOU WANT YOUR FAMILY TO INHERIT IT.  IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT, SEEK INDEPENDENT ADVICE.

[There are also other conditions which will be explained to you.]    

Back to top

Who can apply for Renewals Assistance?
Owner-occupiers and tenants from anywhere in the borough can apply for Renewals Assistance, however, outside of Renewal Areas, applicants are required to have occupied their home as their only or main residence for at least 3 years prior to the date of application.  

Back to top

How will my application be processed?
The Council operates a Renewals Assistance Enquiry Priority Scheme. This seeks to ensure that vulnerable people in greatest need receive priority for the initial processing of their enquiry. 

This is based on: 

  • Property unfitness / serious disrepair 
  • Housing Health and Safety factors 
  • Occupancy, income and vulnerability 
  • Renewal Area / strategic initiatives        

Back to top

What works might qualify for Assistance?
Works to remedy unfitness, such as: 

  • Instability 
  • Serious disrepair 
  • Severe dampness        
And to provide: 
  • Adequate lighting and ventilation 
  • Adequate water supply and drainage 
  • Suitable bathroom and kitchen facilities        

Back to top

Are there any restrictions on what works I can have done? 
The primary objective of Renewals Assistance is to make houses fit and decent, in line with the government’s Decent Homes Standard. The Council encourages works that go above this minimum standard but also has to ensure that the most important matters such as repairs take precedence. For example, if you wanted to renew bathroom fittings, replace kitchen units and redecorate but there were major structural / disrepair problems that required attention, then the assistance available would be directed towards these works and only money left over from the £25k maximum [£35k in circumstances of severe structural instability which requires extensive rebuilding] would be available for optional items.

Back to top

How much is Renewals Assistance?
The level of Renewals Assistance and expected applicant contribution is subject to a means test based upon three elements: 

  • Council Tax Band 
  • Receipt of qualifying income related benefit 
  • Gross annual income      
Owner-occupiers and tenants who are: 
  • Elderly and vulnerable and within  Council Tax Bands A,B & C, may be offered assistance up to 75%, 90% or 100% depending on their benefit status and gross annual income, up to £25,000 [or up to £35,000 in certain circumstances, where there is severe structural instability which requires extensive rebuilding]
  • Applicants not  classed as vulnerable within  Council Tax Bands A,B & C, and unable to raise a loan or equity release for the full cost of the works, may be offered up to 50% of the eligible expense up to a maximum of £10,000 as Top-up Renewals Assistance 
  • Elderly and vulnerable and  ithin Council Tax Bands D or above and  unable to raise cash to move may be offered Relocation Assistance up to £10,000 or may be offered assistance administered by the Home Improvement Agency to access suitable equity release products      

Back to top

What if I am unable to pay my contribution?
If you are in receipt of qualifying income related benefit and unable to pay your contribution from savings or a commercial loan, you may be eligible for an interest free loan of up to £5,000 repayable over a period up to 60 months.  

Back to top

What are the qualifying benefits?
These are certain specified means tested benefits, or their equivalents: 

  • Income Support  
  • Council Tax Benefit 
  • Income-based Job Seekers Allowance 
  • Working Tax Credit 
  • Disabled Person’s Tax Credit 
  • Housing Benefit        

The qualifying person must live in the dwelling as his/her only or main residence.  

Back to top

Who chooses the contractor?
All eligible applicants are assisted by Care & Repair Warrington, Home Improvement Agency, who will help you to complete the application forms, arrange for you to get independent financial advice and in addition to preparing and submitting your scheme for approval, will employ a builder from their approved list to undertake the works on your behalf. Care and Repair also monitor the work and will deal with any problems you may encounter.

Back to top

Will my house be redecorated after the works are completed? 
 Yes, if you wish. The contractor who completes the works on your property could redecorate each disturbed room to a basic standard. Alternatively, an allowance per disturbed room may be made available if you choose to do the work yourself. The amount of redecorating allowance you will be entitled to will be determined by the Council based upon your proposed scheme of works when your application is considered for grant approval. Please note that redecorating allowance is not normally considered where the grant works involve the installation of a stair lift.

Back to top

How can I make an enquiry?

You can obtain the relevant forms and details to register your enquiry by contacting:  

Private Sector Housing
Community Services Directorate
PO BOX 875
Warrington 
WA1 1WP

Telephone 01925 442425, Fax 01925 442412 or email Privatesector@warrington.gov.uk 

or call into our reception at:
Homelessness & Housing Advice / Private Sector Housing Reception
theGateway
89 Sankey Street
Warrington
WA1 1SR

To request further information, please go to the online forms section. 

Related Subjects -