Grants available for homes improvements & energy efficiency

echohoteloscar

gunslinger13401 wrote: »

Thanks for the quick reply. I know I cannot drop the pavement as that has to be done by an authorised company,but I am sure they would allow me to lay the hardcore and gravel the drive. No fortunately she is not disabled but the road is very dangerous for kids so I thought with the HSE there might be something available on that basis.
Cheers
Mike

Not the HSE I'm afraid - my line would be to ask her landlord nicely, especially if she can convince them that it would benefit them and the safety of local residents.

eldestchild

I have two elderly parents who get C.Tax benefit and attendance allowance for one of them, but can't get pension credit due to small work pension. Their house has no double glazing and they don't have savings to pay to have it done. I've managed to (hopefully if everything goes through) get help for them with Warm Front re central heating, but having better heating is partly wasted if most of the heat goes out through the single glazed windows. also they have condensation etc. Anyway I'm seeking info on any way I can get them grants to have the double glazing done. Our local council doesn't do it so that's no help.
Any ideas very gratefully received.

harryhound

Have you had the cavities (if any) and the loft (if any done) done?
In theory much more effective than doing the windows.
If the windows are draughty, depending on type (Casement or sash?) then draught strip would be a fraction of the cost of new windows.
Most energy saving measures qualify reduced VAT but windows don't.

(Where are you in the country and how old are your parents?)

echohoteloscar

eldestchild wrote: »

I have two elderly parents who get C.Tax benefit and attendance allowance for one of them, but can't get pension credit due to small work pension. Their house has no double glazing and they don't have savings to pay to have it done. I've managed to (hopefully if everything goes through) get help for them with Warm Front re central heating, but having better heating is partly wasted if most of the heat goes out through the single glazed windows. also they have condensation etc. Anyway I'm seeking info on any way I can get them grants to have the double glazing done. Our local council doesn't do it so that's no help.
Any ideas very gratefully received.

I agree with the above. 10% of heat is lost through windows and double glazing will only save 50% of that:
http://www.thurrock.gov.uk/environment/la21/images/la21e.jpg
As double glazing installations are proportionately more expensive compared to other measures and it is not among the most important elements contributing to energy efficiency, grant-giving organisations generally don't install double glazing for energy saving reasons.
However, council's may give grants if windows are in poor condition (rotten wood / structurally unsound). If so, most replacements are with lowest cost options, usually UPVC double glazing. If this is the case with your parent's windows, check with your local district / borough / city council. If the condensation you mention continues after the measures are installed, again enquire of the council.
Alternatively you may want to consider draught proofing the windows or secondary glazing (plastic films can be useful). Also, heavy thick curtains help, but make sure they don't prevent the radiators from heating the rooms.

daviefenton

Hello - pleawe can you help me ?

I have recently had a home improvement grant issued for a single storey extension for my 2 up 2 down terrace house.

Is it possible to privately let this property out once I have had the work done. The council insist that I cannot but wandered whether anyone knows of any exceptions to this rule.

Any feedback warmly received - if this is on wrong thread apologise - first post any thread - EVER !!!

Thanks

Isabelle

To Kizziegirl

You need to get in touch with your local council office, mine is doing special reductions for landlords at the moment on boilers and insulation (ant then of course tell your landlady!).
Isabelle

echohoteloscar

daviefenton wrote: »

Hello - pleawe can you help me ?

I have recently had a home improvement grant issued for a single storey extension for my 2 up 2 down terrace house.

Is it possible to privately let this property out once I have had the work done. The council insist that I cannot but wandered whether anyone knows of any exceptions to this rule.

Any feedback warmly received - if this is on wrong thread apologise - first post any thread - EVER !!!

Thanks

For 'standard' improvement grants, yes you can let your home but you must pay back the grant in full (including fees). Most councils use standard clauses which mean that the grant applicant (you, the occupier) must continue to reside there once all the works are carried out (commonly 5 years). You should have received details of grant conditions along with your initial Notice of Approval. If you don't have this, ask for another copy from the council. If you let the property without paying the grant back, the council could take you to court due to breach of contract. Also it is likely the grant will have been registered as a Land Charge against your property, so allowing another possible route for the council to recoup the debt.

Some councils offer property improvement grants for landlords, designed to improve properties before they are let, but again it is common for them to have conditions attached which means that the council have 'nomination rights', e.g. they can ask that for the next 5 years, you let the house to homeless households they have a duty to help. If this sounds like an attractive option, feel free to ask your council if they would be willing to consider this option.

BURKEY_2

Hi I have just come out of hospital after 1 year and been given a flat today with a private landlord which has no furniture and could do with painting too. I am in North East England and have just applied for ESA and am about to receive Disability Living Allowance, is there anywhere I can apply for help for furniture and flooring or carpeting, I am also wheelchair bound, would appreciate help with this and also if I can apply for any other benefits I am entitled too as I have never done this before..Please help

echohoteloscar

BURKEY wrote: »

Hi I have just come out of hospital after 1 year and been given a flat today with a private landlord which has no furniture and could do with painting too. I am in North East England and have just applied for ESA and am about to receive Disability Living Allowance, is there anywhere I can apply for help for furniture and flooring or carpeting, I am also wheelchair bound, would appreciate help with this and also if I can apply for any other benefits I am entitled too as I have never done this before..Please help

I would guess that you have had discussions with your hospital with regards equipment you may need - if not then contact your local council and speak to an Occupational Therapist (usually the Social Services / Adult Services department). They will recommend and supply specialist equipment and advise if your flat needs adapting. If so they will write to the housing / environmental health department recomending a Disabled Facilities Grant.
Help with furniture and furnishings is via an application to Jobcentre Plus for a Budgeting Loan:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_10018905
Whether you qualify or not, you may want to investigate a local furniture re-use organisation. They are sometimes subsidised by local councils so to help people in situations such as yours:
http://www.frn.org.uk/directory/north_east.asp
For help with decorating or any other odd-jobs, the government is putting money into increasing 'handyman' services through local home improvement agencies. If one is available in your area and you meet any local qualification criteria, for a very small fee they should be able to help you with any number of jobs you may have difficulty in carrying out:
http://www.foundations.uk.com/hiasearch.aspx
Another possibility is to investigate local voluntary groups that could help you. Searching for a local Timebank is a good start:
http://www.timebank.org.uk/about/index.php
Finally, the benefits adviser is the government's online questionnaire to help you find out which benefits and tax credits you may be entitled to:
http://campaigns.direct.gov.uk/benefitsadviser/
Always worth a go, many people are surprised at what they are entitled to!

doken

I am only getting carers allowance and my partner gets DLA and state pension, we have lived off of our savings for the last year but desperately need some repair or replacements to our double glazed windows, they are 15 years old and do not have any vents, so we get condensation problems and have some misted windows.

Are we entitled to any help / grants at all please, any advice appreciated