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HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANTS
For the
PRIVATE HOUSING SECTOR
Including: Mandatory disabled facilities
Discretionary disabled facilities
Minor works
Renovation for owner occupiers
Private Sector Housing
PO Box 580
Slough
Berkshire
SL1 1FB
Tel: 01753 875264
Fax 01753 875545
HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANTS
‘Helping you to manage independently
In your own home’
INTRODUCTION
The following information is contained within the council’s ‘Housing
Renewal Policy Statement’ (grants policy) written under the Regulatory
Reform Order. A copy may be obtained upon request or alternatively it is
included within the council’s web-site.
Currently the council is able to offer both MANDATORY (grants which the
council have a duty to provide) and DISCRETIONARY grants.
The information provided in this document was correct at the time of
printing however over time details may change.
DISABLED FACILITIES GRANTS (DFG’s)
Introduction
If you or someone living in your property is disabled you may qualify for a
disabled facilities grant. The Council under Part 1 of the Housing Grants,
Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 provides these grants.
What is a disabled facilities grant?
Disabled facilities grants are mandatory and are provided to help pay for
certain types of adaptations within the home. These adaptations are
designed to assist a person with a disability manage more independently
and safely by enabling them to access basic facilities such as a toilet and
washing facilities.
◄1►
What is the first step?
The first step is to arrange for an assessment of the disabled person’s
needs. This assessment is carried out by an Occupational Therapist (OT)
usually from Slough’s Social Services Department. The OT will visited
you in your own home and where appropriate they will make a formal
referral for a grant to Private Sector Housing. The referral will recommend
a practical solution which is both ‘necessary and appropriate’ depending
on the individual’s circumstances. The recommendation will be for either
a mandatory grant (to provide access to basic facilities), or a
discretionary grant (for other work).
It should be noted that discretionary grants are only recommended
in exceptional circumstances.
How can I contact an Occupational Therapist?
You can contact your Social Services Department to request assessment
by an Occupational Therapist (OT) on: 01753 690400.
Alternatively, you can employ a private OT to assess you. Their fee can
be re-fundable out of the grant monies available, but only if your
application is successful.
If your need is urgent you will be allocated an OT within 7 working days.
Otherwise all requests are currently dealt with in date order, so you may
have to wait between 2-4 months for an assessment.
The OT will discuss your needs with you and then make a referral to
Private Sector Housing, in accordance with eligibility guidelines.
What will the Occupational Therapist look at?
When making a referral, the Occupational Therapist must recommend a
solution, which is both “necessary and appropriate” to meet the needs of
the disabled persons. It must also offer value for money. This may result
in the Occupational Therapist supporting your application for a disabled
facilities grant or they may recommend other options, which will ensure
that your needs are met.
◄2►
Examples of other options the Occupational Therapist may consider are:
♦ A recommendation to move to another property if this would be less
disruptive for you or would offer a more cost-effective solution.
♦ If your home can be adapted internally to meet your needs e.g. if you
have difficulty managing the stairs a stair-lift may solve the problem.
If you need all facilities to be situated on the ground floor it may mean
changing the existing space i.e. if there are two reception rooms, one
may be converted to a bedroom while the other remains a
lounge/dining room.
Any work which, is recommended will be designed to meet all your
access and long term needs. If appropriate the Occupational Therapist
will refer you to the home care department for an assessment of your
home care needs. Once the OT’s recommendations have been made to
Private Sector Housing their grant officer will decide on a scheme of work
which will best meet the needs of the disabled person ensuring that the
work is both “reasonable and practicable”. Once your case is referred to
Private sector housing it will be added to their waiting list.
How is my position on the waiting list determined?
Due to the high demand for these grants private sector housing have
found it necessary to establish a points based priority rating system.
A priority rating for the adaptations will be stated on the referral form sent
to them by the Occupational Therapist. The priority rating will either be
immediate, high, medium or low. Points are awarded depending on the
priority together with additional points for each month since the date of
referral. Cases are then allocated to officers according to their position on
the list. This system is fair, equitable and transparent. If you wish to know
your current position on the waiting list please contact private sector
housing who would be happy to advise you.
◄3►
What happens following the referral from an OT?
From the date that private sector housing receive the referral you will be
contacted within 30 working days to agree a date when an officer may
visit in order to calculate your contribution if any towards the cost of the
work. A grant surveyor and your OT will then visit (subject to your position
on the waiting list) to discuss and agree with you the extent and nature of
the works needed. You will then be provided with a specification of works.
No work will be carried out unless you are in full agreement with the
scheme and provide written permission to confirm this.
Once the grant’s officer has produced the specification of work you will
need to arrange the necessary statutory permissions and consents and
arrange for at least two independent estimates. However the agency will
do this on your behalf.
Once you have received written confirmation that your application has
been successful, you may proceed with the works specified by the grant’s
officer. DO NOT start any works without first receiving this approval or
you may lose you’re right to a Grant.
When the work has been completed, the OT and the grants officer will
check the works have been done as specified before making payment.
What type of works can be done?
Structural alterations which are necessary to enable a disabled person to
manage more independently around their home; this may include:
♦ Providing better access in or out of the property e.g. ramps
♦ Providing or improving the access to essential rooms such as
bedrooms, bathrooms, toilets, and living rooms by widening doorways
etc.
♦ Providing facilities for a disabled person e.g. altering kitchen units,
providing a ramp or installing a walk-in shower.
◄4►
♦ Altering the heating and lighting controls for use by the disabled
person
♦ Providing or improving the heating within the rooms used by the
disabled person.
♦ Alterations to enable a disabled person to look after someone who is
dependent upon them.
♦ Alterations to make the environment safe for the disabled person.
Is there anything else I should know?
Yes, grant assistance will only be offered toward the cost of those works
which, are recommended by the OT. For example if the OT recommends
the provision of a stair-lift and it is both reasonable and practical to install,
grant assistance will not be offered for anything other than that.
It should be stressed that only in exceptional circumstance and where
there is no other option available will consideration be given to offer grant
monies for the construction of an extension.
No work should be carried out prior to private sector housing issuing the
formal approval to the applicant.
Grant approval is not retrospective- grant assistance will not be given for
work already carried out.
Only work contained in the specification provided by private sector
housing will be eligible for grant assistance.
A disabled facilities grant will not be approved unless a referral has been
made by an Occupational Therapist.
◄5►
What happens if I can't organise the work myself?
Private Sector Housing provides a service called the ‘Slough Home
Improvement Agency’ (SHIA). The agency can arrange for the works to
be carried out on your behalf. The grant surveyor would be happy to give
any additional advice about this service. Alternatively you may employ
your own surveyor or architect to assist and organise the works for you.
Who is eligible to apply for these grants?
Anyone who is registered, or could be registered as being disabled under
the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970; Owner-occupiers
and tenants may apply; A landlord can also apply on behalf of a disabled
tenant. The Council’s Private Sector Housing team can advise you on
this.
Will I have to pay anything towards the cost?
Possibly, The grant is subject to a test of resources. This ‘means test’
takes account of your income but not of your outgoings. It assesses the
‘disposable’ income and the amount of loan that this amount of money
could be reasonably expected to raise.
You will be required to provide information about your household income
and savings. You will then be informed in advance how much (if any)
contribution you will be expected to make towards the total cost of the
work.
◄6►
What if my contribution is higher than the cost of the work?
In situations where the assessed contribution of the grant applicant
exceeds the estimated cost of the proposed works we can make a Nil
grant offer. The purpose of this is that the cost of the work carried out (at
the applicant’s own expense) in connection with this application could
then be taken into consideration when assessing what contribution would
be required to be made towards the cost of the work for any further
application. Provided that any following application was made within five
years of the original application. However all of the work stipulated by the
occupational therapist, as being necessary to meet the applicants needs
must be completed in full and suitable invoices provided.
Is there a maximum amount of grant available?
Yes, the maximum cost of the work covered by a mandatory DFG is
£25,000, excluding your contribution. Grant assistance above this
maximum amount will not be given
What if the total cost exceeds £25,000?
Your grant officer or the Home Improvements Agency may be able to
advise you about any alternative sources of funding which may be
available including equity release.
What if extra works are found to be necessary?
“Unforeseen works” are likely to include matters which would not
necessarily have been detected during a visual inspection of the property
e.g. fungal attack or woodworm infestation of structural timbers. In
circumstances where you consider unforeseen works are necessary you
should immediately contact the grant officer to arrange an inspection of
the property to allow an assessment of the problem and to determine
whether the works are eligible for grant assistance. You will be advised in
writing of the decision. However if any additional grant is offered the total
grant offer will not exceed the £25,000 maximum.
◄7►
Who receives the money to pay the builder?
Following the satisfactory completion of the work, the grant will be paid
direct to the builder, unless the applicant makes a written request for it to
be paid to him or herself, In the case of a larger project, a stage payment
can be made.
What if I do not own my own home?
You do not have to own the property. However, you will need to sign a
‘certificate of occupancy’ stating that you intend to live there for at least
five years after the work is completed (circumstances allowing). Also the
landlord must sign a certificate stating that he/she intends to let the
property as a residence to a disabled tenant for at least five years after
the work is completed. These certificates are available from the Grants
Officer
Depending on circumstances if the property is sold within five years of the
work being finished, the owner may be required to repay all, or some, of
the grant.
What if my home also needs repairs?
It is a requirement of the disabled facilities grant that the property is fit to
live in. If you are an owner- occupier or a tenant and your home needs
repairs or improvements, the grant surveyor may also be able to offer you
a Renovation or a Minor Works Grant. Financial assistance may also be
available to improve the thermal insulation of your home. The grant
surveyor will be happy to discuss this with you. If you rent your home
privately and it needs repair, the grant surveyor may require your landlord
by means of a formal notice to arrange for these repairs to be carried out.
Are there any grants conditions?
Yes, there are various conditions including that the work must be
completed to a satisfactory standard within one year from the date that
the grant was formally approved. And in certain circumstances that the
person for whom the grant is being provided must remain living in the
property for at least five years after the works are finished. Sometimes
these conditions may be waived – asks your grant surveyor to explain
these conditions and their implications for you in more detail. A copy of
the conditions is available on request.
◄8►
What discretionary DFG’s are available?
These grants are only available to those persons who would be eligible
for a mandatory DFG.
There are three schemes available to fund the following:
• welfare and employment grants: These are offered to make a
dwelling suitable for the accommodation, welfare or employment
of a disabled person
• top up grants: These are provided to meet the cost of works
which are mandatory in nature but in excess of the grant limit for
mandatory assistance and where no other available funding is
available i.e. equity release
• relocation grants: These are offered to assist with cost of a
person with a disability moving to a home, which fully meets their
needs.
The maximum amount of assistance available under each of these
grants is £5000.
OTHER GRANTS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
Are there any other types of grants available?
Yes, Renovation and Minor Works grants these are discretionary forms
of assistance given by Slough Borough Council. Being discretionary
grants they will only be offered whilst the available budget permits.
RENOVATION GRANTS: there purpose is to remedy items of disrepair,
which are causing the property to be, or have the potential to render the
property, unfit for human habitation. The maximum assistance available is
£15,000 excluding specific fees. There are a number of conditions
attached to the offer of these grants, If you would like further information
please contact Private Sector Housing.
◄9►
MINOR WORKS GRANTS: are specifically designed to provide financial
help for small-scale works of repair, improvement or adaptations to a
dwelling. They include:
• Home Repair Assistance Grants; these are provided to improve the
condition of properties, which are unfit, unsafe, unhealthy or
unsuitable.
• Energy Conservation Grants; these are provided to improve the
physical energy efficiency of dwellings, to remove households from
fuel poverty and to contribute to the reduction in the number of
premature winter deaths.
• Home Security Grants; these are provided to reduce crime, help to
reduce people's fear of crime and to provide support for crime victims.
The work associated with this type of grant will be carried out
predominantly by Age Concern for victims and to prevent repeat
crimes
• Emergency Works Grants; these are provided to give the necessary
financial assistance so that works of an emergency nature can be
carried out without undue delay and to prevent further damage to the
property occurring. The work associated with this type of grant will be
carried out predominantly by Age Concern.
• Minor Adaptation grants; these are provided to install minor
adaptations for disabled and/or chronically sick persons in order to
improve access to their property and existing facilities. By offering a
Minor Works grant we will be able to arrange for the work to be
carried out without the delay inherent within the Disabled Facilities
grant process. The work associated with these grants will be carried
out predominantly by Age Concern.
Who would be eligible for a minor works grant?
They will normally be awarded to those persons who are on an income-
related benefit and who are:
• disabled (or the carer of a disabled person), or
◄ 10 ►
• vulnerable* (or the carer of a vulnerable person), or
• over 60 years of age,
*A vulnerable person is defined as anyone who is in a position where they
cannot care for themselves, are reliant upon a carer and whose health is
likely to be significantly damaged if the proposed works are not carried
out. This vulnerable group includes adults with disabilities, older people,
children and young persons suffering from a chronic condition.
(*Supporting evidence of this will be required.)
The applicant must also:
• Live in the dwelling as their only or main residence or care for an
elderly (aged 60 or over), disabled or infirm person;
• Have an owner's interest in the dwelling or be a tenant of the dwelling,
alone or jointly with others; or occupy the dwelling under a right of
exclusive occupation granted for life or for a period of more than five
years;
• Have a duty or power to carry the works in question;
Is there a maximum amount of grant available?
The maximum assistance that can be offered for an emergency works
grant is £500. Whereas for the other minor works grants, the maximum
assistance that can be offered within a five-year period is £5000.
Minor Works grants will not be offered for items of routine maintenance of
a property or where alternative funding may be available.
How will the amount of assistance be calculated?
Usually you will be offered a grant, equivalent to the eligible expense of
the work minus any fees incurred up the maximum grant limit
◄ 11 ►
Getting advice…
It is a good idea to get advice from a qualified person when considering
the need to carry out any works to your property. You should also
consider how best to meet any additional costs.
In looking at possible options, advice may be sought from private sector
housing or, the Social Services department.
What should I do before applying for assistance?
You should find out the extent and type of work, which is necessary, and
the likely cost. Whether or not the work is grant aided, it is important to
ensure that the work gets done properly and at a reasonable price. For
major works it may be best to employ a qualified architect or surveyor to
plan and oversee the work in progress.
How do I apply?
Make an enquiry to Private Sector Housing. They will also be able to
provide you with an application form. You will not be offered grant
assistance if you start work before the Council approves your application.
An application is only valid if it is made on the form provided by the local
authority for the purposes and if it includes all the information required.
Private Sector Housing will notify you of the outcome of your application
no later than six months from its receipt.
You should ensure that you separately secure any approval for building
regulations or planning purposes that is required. However the agency
can arrange all this on your behalf.
Please note if you have a mortgage you are responsible for informing
your mortgage company and for increasing your insurance’s as
appropriate after the works are started,
◄ 12 ►
How do I arrange for a contractor to carry out the work?
When applying for assistance, you will be required to obtain at least two
written estimates for the work before we will calculate the grant. The
value of the grant is based on the eligible cost of the works. You need to
get competitive quotes from reputable and independent builders. it may
be worth using one who belongs to a trade association which, operates a
guarantee scheme such as those run by the Building Employers
Confederation or the Federation of Master Builders. Private Sector
Housing has a list of contractors who have done similar work to a suitable
standard. This list is available upon request. Alternatively the agency can
arrange all this on your behalf.
GENERAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS APPLICABLE TO ALL
GRANTS
How long will it take for my grant application to be approved?
The Council is required to approve or refuse your application within 6
months. However, in practice, it should take a matter of weeks from the
time a valid application is made.
One or more of the following:- causes the majority of delays
• The application form has been returned incorrectly completed.
• ‘The Certificate of Future Occupation’ or the ‘owners certificate‘has
not been completed or returned.
• The applicant has not provided at least two independent estimates.
• The estimates provided do not cover all of the work specified.
• The estimates exceed current building costs.
• The contractor estimating for the work has not used the forms
provided i.e. ‘Estimating Guidance Notes for Contractors’.
• Planning permission or building regulations consent has not been
obtained.
◄ 13 ►
Remember it is in your best interests to ensure that all the documentation
is correct before you return them to us.
How is the grant calculated?
On receiving the estimates your case officer will check them to ensure
that all items specified have been quoted for and that there have been no
additions to the specification. The officer will then select the lowest
estimate and assess the estimated cost for each item. If it is considered
that any item has been given an unacceptably high price the officer will
set a reasonable price for that item using current building costs. The
grant is then calculated based upon a percentage of the amount of
expense, which is properly to be incurred in the execution of the eligible
works. The percentage rate will vary depending upon the type of grant
applied for.
Please note: some items required by statutory notice and/or required to
meet the accreditation standard may not qualify for grant assistance.
When will I be paid the grant?
When all the works specified have been completed to the satisfaction of
your case officer and you have supplied all the necessary invoices,
payment will usually made within a few weeks.
Who is responsible for the workmanship of the contractor?
While it is not a requirement under a minor works grant that a property
meets the fitness standard on completion of the assisted works, (although
it is for a renovation grant). The local authority will need to be satisfied
that the works have been properly completed before paying any grant
monies.
If at any time during the course of the works or on completion of
contracted works you are not satisfied with the standard of workmanship
you should raise the matter with the contractor and notify your local
authority as soon as possible.
◄ 14 ►
However ultimately, the applicant has formed a contract with the builder,
i.e. “If the builder carries out the work to the required standard, the
applicant is obliged to pay the estimated amount to the builder”. The
Council has formed a contract with the applicant i.e. “If you arrange for
the specified works to be carried out to a suitable standard, we agree to
pay the amount of grant to which you are entitled”. However, the Council
does not have any contract, either stated or implied, with the builder.
How long do I have to carry out the work specified?
You have (1) one year, from the date on which your grant application is
approved, to complete the work in full to the satisfaction of your case
officer – except when a notice is in force.
Can I carry out the work myself?
You may wish to carry out part or all of the work yourself. However:-
• The work must be completed to a suitable standard.
• Grant will only paid for the materials element of the work. No grant will
be paid to compensate for your labour/time.
• You must provide all the invoices/receipts for the materials used.
• You must be fully qualified if you are carrying out work on the
electrical system, gas appliances etc.
What if my grant application is refused?
If your application is refused you will be given reasons for this decision. If
you consider that these are unreasonable or incorrect you may appeal
against the decision by writing to the “Private Sector Housing Manager”
stating why you consider your application should be approved. An appeal
panel will then review your case and a decision will be made taking into
account any relevant information provided by yourself. You will then be
notified of their decision.
◄ 15 ►
How can I ensure that I employ a competent builder to carry out the
work?
There is no foolproof method to ensure that the contractor you employ will
provide you with the service and quality of workmanship you require.
Private Sector Housing have compiled a contractors list which have been
vetted, inclusion on the list only implies that the company/individual has
previously carried out work which the Council has found to be acceptable.
However, there are a number of measures, which you can take to reduce
the risk:-
• Wherever possible, only employ contractors who have been
recommended for their reliability and workmanship by someone you
can trust.
• Draw up a short-list of firms that appear reliable, checking
experiences of previous clients and perhaps references from banks,
as appropriate.
• Seek quotations based upon the specification provided and compare
price conditions and reputations for reliability and good workmanship.
• Get the necessary consents or agreements from your local authority
(e.g. Planning, Building Control) and the Mortgage Company.
Discuss your plans with your neighbours, particularly if there are any
party structures.
• Only employ fully qualified specialist contractors for work involving
electric and gas installations.
• Ensure that the contractor has current and sufficient insurance cover.
• Avoid deposits and advance payments. Use stage payments as a
means of keeping the work progressing. Use any retained payment to
ensure that defects, which may be discovered after completion, are
put right – obtain as many estimates as is reasonably possible.
Remember it is in your best interest to employ the most competent
builder at the most competitive price.
◄ 16 ►
Do all of the works on the specification attract grant assistance?
No! Some items may not qualify for grant assistance. These items will
usually be marked on the specification, as such, for your information.
However, all of the work required on the specification must be carried out
irrespective of whether they are grant assisted or not. If you fail to
complete all of the work and you have been served with a legal notice you
may be prosecuted and/or the outstanding work may be carried out in
your default. In cases where a notice has not been served, the local
authority has the option to serve a notice in order to ensure work is
carried out.
Are there any conditions attached to receiving grant assistance?
Yes. There are a number of conditions, which are imposed by accepting
the grant. You will receive a “Summary of Grant Conditions” as part of a
grant application pack. However, the main condition is that you continue
to rent the property for a period of not less than (5) years after the
‘certified date’ i.e. the date the works were officially completed to the
Council’s satisfaction.
How can I finance my portion of the cost of the works?
If you are unable to finance your portion of the cost of the works through
savings or a bank loan, the Council in exceptional situations are able to
carry out the work, by ‘agreement’, and impose a charge against the
property for the cost incurred. However, interest will accrue on that
charge. Your case officer will be happy to discuss this further with you.
I have been served with a legal notice under the ‘Housing Act 1985’.
What is the relevance of the start date and completion period given
in the Notice?
The rules concerning HMO and Renovation Grants in these
circumstances allow the applicant to start the work prior to the grant
application being approved. This enables you to comply with the start
date and completion period stated on the notice as failure to do so may
result in you being prosecuted.
◄ 17 ►
I have been served with a ‘Housing Act’ Notice, but my grant
application has been refused. Do I still need to carry out the works
on the Notice?
Yes. It is essential that you comply with the requirements of the notice
otherwise you may be prosecuted. Grant assistance is discretionary, i.e.
the local authority is not required to give you a grant. You will therefore
need to make alternative arrangements in order to finance the cost of the
work.
Once the works have been completed, if the invoice sum is different
to the estimated amount (which the grant was assessed on) would
this affect the amount of grant, which I would be paid?
In those circumstances where the invoice sum is less than the estimated
expense we would re-approve the grant based upon the lesser amount.
However, we would only re-approve the grant for a higher sum in
exceptional circumstances, such as ‘unforeseen works’.
What is the procedure, if ‘unforeseen works’ are found to be
necessary?
‘Unforeseen works’ are likely to include matters, which would not
necessarily have been detected during a visual inspection of the property
e.g. fungal attack or woodworm infestation of structural timbers. In
circumstances where you consider unforeseen works are necessary you
should immediately contact your case officer to arrange an inspection of
the property to allow an assessment of the problem and to determine
whether the works are eligible for grant assistance. You will be advised in
writing of this decision.
What type of energy efficiency measures will attract grant
assistance?
It is a condition of the grant that the property is insulated as effectively as
is practicable. This is to reduce energy use, make the living conditions
more comfortable and reduce fabric maintenance costs.
◄ 18 ►
The specification of works provided will include a separate section
detailing any energy efficiency measures which your case officer
considers are applicable for your property. These may include such items
as:-
• Providing, or increasing the loft insulation, to a minimum of 200mm (8
inch).
• Draught proofing external doors and windows.
• The installation of cavity wall insulation, where the construction of the
property permits.
• Installing pipe lagging.
• Installing a hot water cylinder insulation jacket.
However, these works will only be grant aided, if you are not eligible for
grant assistance under any other schemes, e.g. HEES.
Slough Borough Council has negotiated discounted prices from network
installers. It is, therefore, a condition of the grant that this part of the work
is carried out by one of these contractors and only one estimate will be
required for these works. Further details of this scheme are provided
within the ‘grant application pack’.
Will I require Building Regulation Consent and/or Planning Approval
for this work?
Building Regulation consent is required for such work as:-
• New building work.
• To change non-domestic premises into dwellings.
• To convert part of a building into a flat.
• For drainage work, such as the installation of WC’s, sinks, wash hand
basins etc.
◄ 19 ►
Planning Approval is required for such matters as:-
• Developing land constructing extensions and additions.
• Converting properties from residential to commercial use.
• For change of use from family home to HMO use.
The grant will not be approved unless you provide proof that you have
obtained Building Regulations consent/Planning approval where
necessary. However, any costs you incur may be included within the
grant calculation.
Before you start work you should contact the Council’s Planning and
Building Control divisions in order to confirm whether approval/consent is
required.
ARRANGING FOR THE WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT
• Make a plan of what you want done. Do not be pressured into
unnecessary work or work you cannot afford. Remember only
“eligible works” will attract grant assistance. For large or complex
jobs, professional advice may be needed.
• Get the necessary consents or agreements from your local authority,
mortgage and insurance companies. Discuss your plans with your
neighbours, particularly if there are party structures.
• Draw a short-list of firms that appear reliable, check experience of
previous clients and perhaps references from banks, as appropriate.
• Seek quotations based on a detailed specification and compare price,
conditions and reputation for reliability and good workmanship.
• Get a written contract covering all the details of your agreement,
notably the works to be done, price, start and completion dates, stage
payments and retention periods, and the position on delays where
time is of the essence, e.g. if the Council has served a legal notice on
you giving a start date and a period for completion.
◄ 20 ►
• Finding out whether worthwhile guarantee is available, giving cover
against a contractor ceasing to trade. Insurance-backed schemes
may be appropriate.
• Avoid deposits and advance payments. Use stage payments as a
means of keeping the work progressing. Use any retained payment to
ensure that defects discovered after completion are rectified.
• Be clear about the way you will deal with any disputes.
• Any work carried out on the gas installation or appliances must be
undertaken by a qualified fitter registered with CORGI (The Council of
Registered Gas Installers).
• Any work carried out on your electrical installation should be
undertaken by a suitably qualified and competent electrician, for you
own safety and that of any tenants.
All electrical work should be carried out by suitably qualified electricians
and be in accordance with BS.7671: 1992 ‘Requirements for Electrical
Installations’. Once the work has been carried out you should obtain a
completion certificate from your contractor.
A final point: Make sure that you play fair with the builder. Pay bills for
good work promptly. There is no sense in creating unnecessary
problems and bad feeling.
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Eligible Works:
These are works, which can be considered for grant assistance.
Estimated Cost:
The price quoted by a contractor.
Eligible Cost:
The amount of expense which, in the opinion of the council, would be
properly incurred in the execution of eligible works. The eligible cost
would be the same as the estimate cost provided that the prices quoted
by the contractor reflect true and fair current building costs.
Preliminary or Ancillary Services and Charges:
In relation to an application for a grant, this means services and charges
which relate to the application and preparation for and the carrying out of
works. This may include fees charged by architects in the preparation of
scale drawings and surveyors for the supervision of works, building
regulation fees, planning application fees and those fees charged by
Slough Borough Council for undertaking non-statutory functions in
respect of the grant application.
Estimated Expense:
This is the total amount of expense, which in the opinion of the council,
would be properly incurred in the execution of the eligible works, including
preliminary and ancillary services, and all other charges.
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THE LEVEL OF SERVICE YOU CAN EXPECT FROM
PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING
Service Delivery
We will acknowledge receipt of the request for service within 5
working days.
We will carryout a home visit within 5 to 30 working days, depending
upon the assessed priority of your request.
For grant assisted adaptations we will expect to have at least 90% of
cases completed within a period of 17 to 56 weeks from the date we
received the service request, depending upon the assessed priority
and complexity of the work.
Service Quality
We will discuss with you your housing needs and any options or
alternatives available to you.
We will seek your views on what adaptations will work best for you.
We will provide you with information about any financial benefits
available to you.
We will regularly keep you informed about the progress of your case.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT SERVICE
Housing and Neighbourhood Services has a standard complaints
procedure which we will follow. If you have cause to complain about the
quality of service that you have received from us we will:
• Acknowledge receipt of your complaint within 2 working days.
• Assign your complaint for investigation to a manager who has not
previously been involved in your case. This manager will provide you
with a full written response within 25 working days.
If you would like a copy of the complaint’s procedure please contact:
Slough Borough Council, Corporate Complaints, Chief Executives
Department, Town Hall, Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 3UQ
Tel: 01753 875244 Fax: 01753 875058
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Disabled Facilities Grant Procedure
Private Sector Housing receives a referral from an
Occupational Therapist
Within 5 to 30 working days (depending upon the assessed priority) we will
visit to carryout a financial assessment. This is to calculate how much you
would be required to contribute towards the cost of the works
Will the work be carried out by the Slough Home Yes
No
Improvement agency?
We will survey the property and discuss the
proposed adaptations with you
You complete the application
We will complete the application on your
We will provide you with an outline behalf
specification of works
You then arrange: Prior to grant approval we will:
♦ For the plans to be drawn up ♦ Draw up a specification of works
♦ At least two competitive estimates ♦ Draw up plans
♦ Obtain local authority permissions ♦ Arrange estimates
♦ Provide proof of title to the property ♦ Obtain local authority permissions
♦ Arrange contracts
Once the grant has been approved you ♦ Provide advice on alternative funding
will: solutions
♦ Oversee the works in progress Once the grant has been approved
♦ Arrange payment to the contractors we will:
♦ Administer a defects liability period
♦ Oversee the works in progress
for the work to be carried out once the ♦ Arrange payment to contractors
grant has been approved ♦ Administer a defects liability period
♦ Provide proof of title to the property
Note
If a grant is not available the “Home Improvement Agency” may be able to
arrange alternative sources of funding and administer the works on behalf of
the applicant.
HOME IMPROVEMENT AGENCY SERVICES
INTRODUCTION
Home improvement agencies help people who are older, disabled and/or
living on a low income to repair, improve or adapt unfit or unsuitable
homes. Agencies aim thus to improve people’s living conditions, thereby
enhancing their health and quality of life and enabling them to remain in
their own home as long as that is their wish, or to return to their own
home following discharge from hospital or other institutional care.
Agency staff visit individuals in their own homes, help them to decide
what work is to be done and then arrange the finance and organise and
oversee the building work.
Home improvement agencies are non-profit making organisations.
It is a condition of the Department of the Environment funding for home
improvement agencies that “the HIA must provide a comprehensive
service available to help clients through the whole process of repair” (DoE
Conditions of Grant for HIA’s for 1995/6). The points below define the
term “comprehensive service”.
PERSONAL SUPPORT AND ADVICE
The Home Improvement Agency Service aims to support vulnerable or
disadvantaged people through the sometimes difficult and complex
process of repairing or adapting the home. The service should:
(a) Regard the needs and wishes of the client as central.
Agencies should act only on the instruction of clients.
Clients should be assured of confidentiality, consulted and
fully informed and their consent obtained at all stages.
Information about the client should be passed on to third
parties, only with the client’s knowledge and consent.
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(b) Provide detailed advice and full practical assistance for the
client in respect of any repairs or improvements including
detailed advice and assistance with arranging where
necessary temporary re-housing, removal of furniture and
effects, re-decoration as well as personal support for more
vulnerable clients. A key worker should be responsible for
a particular client throughout this process and this should
be made known to the client at the outset.
(c) Advise the client about alternative housing options and
advise and assist the person in obtaining other support
services necessary to enable them to remain in their own
home, as appropriate.
(d) Approach problems creatively and flexibly, seeking tailor-
made solutions, which meet the needs of individuals.
(e) Take into account the needs and wishes of carers.
(f) Have proper regard for their duty to care.
FINANCIAL ADVICE AND COUNSELLING
Detailed financial advice and counselling on the options for financing
building work should be provided including:
(a) Full benefits assessment followed, where appropriate, by
direct liaison on the client’s behalf with relevant bodies.
(b) Advice and practical assistance with obtaining the funds
necessary to carry out the building work required by the
client, through grant aid from local authorities both housing
and social services departments, loans, insurance cover,
trusts and charities, savings, home equity and any other
appropriate source.
◄ 26 ►
TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND ADVICE
All clients are entitled to a professional technical service relevant to their
needs and appropriate to their property. This service should be provided
by the agency and should include:
(a) Initial advice on the scale and possible costs of the appropriate
repair, improvement and adaptation work and advice on energy
efficiency.
(b) Provision or acquisition of schedules and specification for the
building work required in the necessary detail for quality and cost
control.
(c) Establishing and monitoring a list of other building professionals
who complement the skills within the HIA.
(d) Establishing and monitoring an adequate list of approved builders
to quote for building work in rotation, as appropriate.
(e) Obtaining competitive quotations for building work on the client’s
behalf and advising clients on the selection of an appropriate
builder.
(f) Use of proper written contract documentation and administration
procedures, as appropriate.
(g) Provision of regular site visits to inspect the progress of work on
site, during the defects period and at final inspection, as required.
(h) Provision of final advice to the client on use of new appliances,
energy efficiency and ongoing maintenance.
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONAL ISSUES
Home improvement agencies should:
(a) Assess local needs and identify priority client groups. Agency
staff will aim to ensure that the service is accessible to those
targeted client groups.
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(b) Employ suitably skilled and trained staff and also offer appropriate
training to employees.
(c) Ensure that the service is monitored and evaluated and that a
mechanism for assessing client satisfaction is established along
with a complaints system linked to an independent committee.
(d) Keep adequate records.
(e) Establish an independent management committee or an advisory
group which draws it’s membership from a wide range of relevant
organisations and, wherever possible, service users.
(f) Build and maintain effective working relationships, with relevant
professionals and organisations such as occupational therapists,
environmental health officers and relevant voluntary bodies.
(g) Have a written constitution, which identifies its aims, objectives
and methods of working.
(h) Ensure that its aims, objectives and methods of working are open
to public scrutiny.
(i) Ensure that its service conforms to any legal requirements that the
agency is properly and adequately insured and that audited
accounts are produced annually.
(j) Work in accordance with an equal opportunities policy, which
adequately reflects the needs of the local area.
◄ 28 ►
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this booklet was correct at the
time of printing; however, the reader should be advised that
these schemes may change at anytime therefore confirmation
of any point should be sought from the relevant grant officer.
