What we do
A range of grants and equity sharing assistance are available to help owners undertake essential repairs and improvements and in the case of a disability, modifications and/or adaptations to enable the applicant (who in this case may be a tenant) to continue to live independently in their own home.
The Council will act as agent for the applicant, using contractors from its Approved list to secure quality and value for money.
Applicants are not permitted to carry out the work themselves without prior agreement and no work can be commenced before formal approval of the grant.
The home improvement grants enquiry form is available by clicking on the link below:
Contact us
East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Room KG21, County Hall, Beverley, HU17 9BA
Maria Middleton, housing assistance caseworker, Tel: 01482 396341
Caroline Leighton, housing assistance caseworker, Tel: 01482 396357, Fax: 01482 396108
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What kinds of grants are available?
Ten grants are available through the Council or its partner organisations as follows:-
Disabled facilities grant (DFG)
For improved access into or around the home, or the provision of extra or special facilities needed for the benefit of a disabled person. Exceptionally, the grant may assist with the cost of moving to a more suitable property.
Adult applicants are means tested and the grant limit is £25,000. The applicant is required to confirm that he/she intends to occupy the dwelling for the next 5 years.
When the cost of the works exceeds the maximum amount, the applicant may be offered Equity Sharing Assistance.
An occupant of the dwelling must be registered as disabled or capable of being so registered.
Housing assistance grant (HAG)
Is available to a maximum of £7500 to provide a "decent" home (as defined by the Housing Act 2004) i.e. one which is in good repair, warm and secure and has modern facilities.
Exceptionally, the grant may assist with the cost of moving to a more suitable property. The grant is made subject to certain repayment conditions for a period of 5 years from the completion date and is registered with the Land Registry.
Assistance to landlords grant
Is only available following the service of a notice under the Housing Act and is for the provision of improvements to amenities, fire safety and energy efficiency measures but NOT for repairs, internal decoration, works to the owners own accommodation or conversion or works to HMO’s less than 10 years old.
Grant is 50% of the cost of eligible works subject to varying maxima depending on the type of letting and subject to conditions relating to availability for letting and sale, for 5 years. The grant is registered with the Land Registry.
The Council may request nomination rights and the owner must be a member of the Accreditation Scheme.
Promoting Home Energy Efficiency and Warmth (PHEEW)
Available to landlords whose tenants do not qualify for Warm Front assistance, towards installing energy efficient central heating (e.g. an A-rated combi condensing gas or oil boiler) and appropriate improvements to the insulation.
Grant is up to 50% of the eligible cost i.e. a maximum grant of £1800.
The grant is subject to conditions for 5 years and the owner must be a member of the Accreditation Scheme.
Empty property grant (Opening doors)
Available to landlords and private owners for repairing/improving unfit properties that have been empty for more than 12 months.
Grant is available up to 50% of the eligible cost to a maximum of £20,000.
For Landlord applicants, the Council have to be satisfied there is housing need and may request nomination rights and the owner must be a member of the Accreditation Scheme.
Owner Occupiers are subject to Means Test.
In either case the grant is subject to the usual repayment conditions for 5 years and is registered with the Land Registry.
Warm front
Up to £2700 may be available for loft, cavity wall and hot-water cylinder insulation, draught proofing and essential heating (which may include central heating) to owners or tenants who: - are disabled; or have a child under 16 or are pregnant; or are aged 60 and over; and in all cases, are in receipt of an income or disability related benefit.
Health through warmth (HTW)
Aims to reduce the incidence of fuel-poverty related illness by installing/improving heating systems for the most vulnerable. In partnership with Npower and other agencies, the Council ensures that vulnerable clients are quickly routed to the most appropriate source of assistance.
Home safety (Equipment loan scheme)
The Integrated Community Equipment Loan Service (ICES), is a partnership between the NHS, Hull City Council and ERYC to make stair gates, fireguards and night-lights available to vulnerable families and those with children under 5 years.
Energy efficiency commitment (EEC)
Safe and sound assistance
This assistance aims to reduce the fear of crime for residents in the East Riding. The measures to be installed will be agreed in consultation with Humberside Police. Assistance is available to a maximum of £1000.
The assistance is available to owner-occupiers and also to private sector tenants with prior permission of the landlord and applications are processed by the Staying Put Agency. Applicants must be aged over 60 and in receipt of a means tested benefit, or disabled.
The grant covers home security measures as prescribed by Humberside Police including: door entry systems, security lights, smoke detection monitors, carbon monoxide detectors, assistance towards ‘Lifeline Assistance’ installation, assistance towards improving safety with regard to slips, trips and falls.
Is there a cost involved?
A fee of 12.5% of the net cost of the work is charged.
