Please note that this years' allocation of grants funding has been spent and no grants are available at present. This information is the current situation as of 10 December 2007. Any change to this will be posted here - feel free to check back to this page regularly.
However, for information, there are two main types of grant, Improvement Grants and Repair Grants. The type of grant that may be available will depend on the work you are planning to carry out.
Improvement Grants can be awarded to bring an existing house up to tolerable standard; for example by installing a damp proof course. They can also be awarded to make houses suitable for occupants with disabilities; for example by improving access or making adaptations to a bathroom.
Repair Grants can be awarded for work to both the inside and outside of a house which is required to maintain its useful life; for example repairs to the roof or the replacement of lead plumbing.
There are some conditions on the award of grant.
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The house must have been built or converted more than 10 years ago.
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On completion of any grant aided works the house must meet the Tolerable Standard, have all Standard Amenities and be in a good state of repair.
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For a period of five years after the award of grant the house must remain a private dwelling, remain in a good state of repair and must be the occupants main residence, otherwise the grant may have to be repaid.
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There are limits on the amount of grant that can be awarded and an assessment of the applicant's income is required.
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Work must not start before a grant has been awarded.
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Most grants are now means tested.
If you feel that your property is in a state of disrepair and you have limited prospect of funding any essential repairs from your own resources we will arrange to inspect the property to assess its general condition and offer further advice.
Please visit the web-site below which contains information relating to the types of works eligible for Grant Aid and includes an "Occupiers' ready reckoner" which will give you a rough estimate of how much grant you could get should funding be available.
www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/housing/hogr-00.asp
For further information on the Council's scheme of grants for housing improvement or repair contact Raymond Boyd on 01389 738662 or contact us by e-mail at planningandbuildingcontrol@west-dunbarton.gov.uk.
