Vale of White Horse District Council
Abbey House, Abbey Close,
Abingdon, OX14 3JE
Email: comments@whitehorsedc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01235 520202

Vale of White Horse District Council

Essential Repairs Grant

Applicants should be aware that grant conditions are subject to change and the Council can only provide grant on the basis of current grant conditions.  Grants are available subject to budget.  The grants budget is prioritised to allow mandatory grants to be given preference over discretionary grants.

What is the Essential Repairs Grant?

This grant is to assist homeowners with major essential repairs to their property. Applications will be considered for example where: 

• A risk to the security of the occupier exists
• Breakdown of primary source of heating or hot water has arisen and no assistance is available through a national scheme
• The health and safety of the occupant is at risk
• There is significant risk to public safety
• Where a major structural element is so far defective that significant futhrer damage would occur if remedial action were not taken
• A maximum of £10,000 can be awarded over three years
• Any grant claimed more than £5,000 will be repayable upon the sale or transfer of title of the property.

Who is eligible?

• Applicants who have a disability that would be assisted by the work required
• Applicants who are obliged by law to undertake a repair
• Applicant has works that are not covered under any insurance claim
• Applicants must have lived in the house as a main residence for five years prior to making the application
• Applicant must meet eligibility criteria of Government’s Warm Front Grant - for more details see Grants and discounts for heating - or a nil contribution under the Disabled Facilities Grant scheme
• Applicants who have been refused or do not qualify for the House Proud equity release scheme and would be subject to enforcement under the Housing Acts
• The grant will only be offered if there are no alternative sources of funding available.

How do I apply?

For an application form or to discuss the grant please call the Housing Operations Team on 01235 520 202.

If you are considering applying for a grant, you should contact the Council before you start any work. Grant monies will not be paid retrospectively.