Housing assistance policy

The following conditions apply to applications for assistance under this policy:

• If the Council is satisfied that owing to circumstances beyond the control of the applicant, the cost of the assisted works has increased or decreased the amount of assistance may be re-determined and the applicant notified accordingly.
• If the Council is satisfied that unforeseen works are necessary to complete the works to a satisfactory standard after work has commenced, the amount of assistance may be re-determined and the applicant notified accordingly.
• The responsibility for instructing the contractor and supervision of the works rests with the applicant or their agent, if appointed.

Where the Council approve an application for assistance, it may impose additional conditions. These may include:

• The applicant contributes towards the cost of the assisted works.
• The right of the Council to nominate tenants to the accommodation.
• The right of the Council to recover specialised equipment when it is no longer needed.
• The appointment of managing agents to let the living accommodation.
• The living accommodation is to be maintained in good order after the assisted works have been completed.
• The energy efficiency of the property is to be improved to the latest recommendations, which may go beyond that required under the Decent Homes Standard.

Breach of any of these additional conditions, where imposed, shall give the Council the right to demand immediate repayment of assistance in full.

Any assistance provided under this policy which is repayable on breach of condition will be a local land charge.