The Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) (England and Wales) Order 2002 enables Councils to provide a range of housing assistance.
This policy sets out the discretionary and mandatory financial assistance Dorset Council offers to eligible residents to improve or adapt their property in the Dorset Council area.
Cabinet agreed on 19th November 2024 that authority is delegated to the Corporate Director Housing and Community Safety in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Environmental Health, Housing, Community Safety and Regulatory Service to:
| not applicable | Homeowner | Tenant | Park home owner | Landlord | Max grant £ | Means tested | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disabled Facilities Grant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (Eligibility criteria apply.) | £30,000 | Yes | Dorset Accessible Homes Service |
| DFG Top-up Grant |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (Eligibility criteria apply.) | £15,000 | No | Dorset Accessible Homes Service |
3.1 Disabled Facilities Grant is a mandatory form of assistance for works and adaptations to homes to improve access and allow disabled people to remain independent in their own home.
All DFGs are delivered through the Dorset Accessible Homes Service.
It is recognised that in some cases the maximum statutory grant of £30,000 is insufficient to meet the assessed need and an additional £15,000 DFG Top up Grant is offered (subject to funds being available).
The discretionary top up may be withdrawn with immediate effect and the ability to withdraw this discretionary assistance applies to any DFG top up that is not yet formally approved.
This is a summary of the legislation relating to the conditions that apply to DFGs under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996.
For more detailed information refer to the Act and to any relevant regulations made under the Act.
All works must be assessed as ‘necessary and appropriate’ and ’reasonable and practical’.
In arriving at a decision as to whether the adaptations are ’necessary and appropriate’, there is a requirement to consult with Occupational Therapy Teams based in Adult and Children’s Services
3.3.1 The Council require as a condition of the grant that the eligible works are carried out in accordance with the specification that accompanied the Disabled Facilities Grant Approval.
3.3.2 It is a condition of the grant that the grant eligible works are carried out within twelve months from the date of approval of the application. This period may, however, be extended if the Council considers it reasonable to do so.
3.3.3 The payment of a grant, or part of a grant is conditional on the eligible works being carried out to the satisfaction of the Council and/or the Dorset Accessible Homes Service and upon being provided with an acceptable invoice, demand or receipt for the repayment for the works and any preliminary or ancillary services or charges.
An invoice, demand or receipt will not be acceptable if it is given by the applicant or a member of the applicant’s family.
3.3.4 Unless the Council direct otherwise the eligible works must be carried out by a contractor whose estimate accompanied the application or through one quotation if the works are carried out under the Dorset Accessible Homes Service approved schedule of rates.
3.3.5 In addition to eligible works, as part of a disabled facilities grant, the following may also be considered as eligible works (up to a value of £10,000 of the total mandatory DFG grant):
3.3.6 The following conditions apply to works detailed in section 3.3.5:
3.3.7 In circumstances where the grant applicant has a qualifying owner’s interest in the premises on which the relevant works are to be carried out, the grant is for a sum exceeding £5,000 and the grant recipient disposes (whether by sale, assignment, transfer or otherwise) of the premises in respect of which the grant was given within 10 years of the certified date, the authority may recover the value of the grant aided works that exceed £5,000, but will not demand an amount in excess of £10,000.
3.3.8 In determining whether it is reasonable in all circumstances to require repayment the authority shall consider:
In the event of a breach of any of the conditions, the authority may demand repayment from the applicant of a sum equal to the amount of the grant paid or, as the case may be, any instalments of grant paid and the same shall become repayable to the authority in accordance with section 52 of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996
Where the authority has approved an application for grant assistance and where the applicant receives payment on an insurance or damages claim in respect of the grant aided works, then they should repay to the authority the grant, so far as is appropriate out of the proceeds of any claim.
The authority therefore requires that the applicant shall take reasonable steps to pursue any relevant claim to which this section applies, to notify the Council of that fact, and to repay the grant, so far as appropriate, out of the proceeds of such a claim.
The claims to which this applies are:
a) an insurance claim, or a legal claim against another person, in respect of damage to the premises to which the grant relates, or.
b) a legal claim for damages in which the cost of the works to premises to which the grant relates is part of the claim.
c) and a claim is a relevant claim to the extent that works to make good the damage mentioned in paragraph (a), or the cost of which is claimed as mentioned in paragraph (b), Are works to which the grant relates.
3.5.1 In the event of a breach of this condition, the applicant shall on demand pay to the local housing authority the amount of the grant so far as relating to any such works, together with compound interest as from such date as may be prescribed by or determined in accordance with the regulations, calculated at such reasonable rate as the authority may determine and with yearly rests.
3.5.2 The authority may determine not to make such a demand or to demand a lesser amount
Note: Grant applications related to movable structures used as accommodation such as caravans or boats will be considered eligible on a case-by-case basis
| not applicable | Homeowner | Tenant | Park home owner | Landlord | Max Grant £ | Means Tested | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disabled Facilities Loan | Yes | No | Yes | No | £25,000 | Yes (Subject to affordability check) | Lendology |
4.1 To help applicants where the DFG does not meet the cost of the assessed works and no other form of public help is available. This loan is available up to £25,000, and is administered by Lendology CIC, conditions apply see Section 14
4.2 Eligible works include those assessed as ‘necessary and appropriate’ and ’reasonable and practical’. In arriving at a decision as to whether the adaptations are ’necessary and appropriate’, there is a requirement to consult with Occupational Therapy Teams based in Adult and Children’s Services.
4.3 Notwithstanding condition 6.1 all works must also be deemed “reasonable and practical” by Dorset Council.
4.4 Fostering: Applications will be considered where works are to facilitate the fostering of a disabled child or children and could include works to improve or expand kitchen or bathroom facilities or provide additional sleeping accommodation.
| not applicable | Homeowner | Tenant | Park home owner | Landlord | Max Grant £ | Means Tested | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disabled Facilities Loan | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | £15,000 | No | Dorset Accessible Homes Service |
5.1 About the grant
The Moving on Grant provides financial assistance, up to £15,000, to help disabled people move to a more appropriate home.
5.2 Conditions
5.2.1 An applicant may apply for this assistance to move to a more appropriate home in Dorset (or anywhere else) if they are eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant at their existing home.
5.2.2 In determining eligibility to this grant, the Dorset Accessible Homes Service on behalf of Dorset Council shall determine an applicant’s eligibility having regard to the following criteria:
5.2.3 In making decisions regarding eligibility criteria above, the Dorset Accessible Homes Service shall give regard to the views of the Occupational Therapist and applicant (and their representatives).
5.2.4 Eligibility for this grant does not affect any future applications for Disabled Facilities Grant in a “new”. Property.
5.2.5 The eligible expenses under this paragraph may include the cost of:
5.2.6 The maximum grant payable for eligible expenses is £15,000.
5.2.7 Administration and coordination of this grant is by the Council’s nominated contractor of the Dorset Accessible Homes Service and subject to an administration fee payable to the DAHS for their additional services.
This fee is additional to the maximum grant amount available to the recipient under this grant.
5.2.8 Grant assistance is only payable upon the successful completion of the purchase of the ‘new’ property in the case of an owner occupier and on completion of the move to a new rented property in the case of a tenant.
Once the approval and or move has taken place no other costings can be added unless agreed by DAHS.
5.2.9 The “new” property shall be deemed to be by Dorset Accessible Homes Service the applicants only and main residence.
5.2.10 Any expenses paid by this grant, incurred in moving to a new home shall be approved by the Dorset Accessible Homes Service.
5.2.11 The grant shall only be paid if in the opinion of the Dorset Accessible Homes Service the eligible expenses have been incurred to their satisfaction.
| not applicable | Homeowner | Tenant | Park home owner | Landlord | Max Grant £ | Means Tested | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handy Van | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Cost of materials | Yes (See eligibility criteria below) | Dorset Accessible Homes Service |
6.1 The handyperson service provides a range of works for older and disabled people to promote and maintain independent living. The range of works include:
This list is not exhaustive, generally work will only include small repairs that can be completed quickly, normally within 2 hours on site.
6.2 Eligibility
Homeowners and tenants over the age of 50 or disabled people of any age, including the parents or guardians of disabled children. This service is available throughout Dorset subject to demand.
6.3 Cost
Applicants in receipt of at least one of the following benefits will only pay for materials, the labour costs are free:
Applicants not in receipt of a means tested benefit will pay £20 per hour or part thereof. Most jobs are finished within 2 hours
| not applicable | Homeowner | Tenant | Park home owner | Landlord | Max Grant £ | Means Tested | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Loan | Yes | No | No | No | £25,000 | Yes (Subject to affordability check) | Lendology |
7.1 To improve properties to meet the Decent Homes Standard up to £25,000 to remove a Category 1 hazard, to address fuel poverty or to bring a house up to the Decent Homes Standard.
A Decent Home is one that has reasonably modern kitchen and bathroom facilities, is in a reasonable state of repair and has adequate thermal insulation and heating facilities.
7.2 Fostering: Applications for loans will be considered where the works facilitate the fostering of children and could include works to improve or expand kitchen or bathroom facilities or provide additional sleeping accommodation.
7.3 All loans are administered by Lendology CIC, affordability and other conditions apply see Section 14.
| not applicable | Homeowner | Tenant | Park home owner | Landlord | Max Grant £ | Means Tested | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Home Loan | No | No | Yes | No | £10,000 | Yes (Subject to affordability check) | Lendology |
8.1 A loan up to £10,000 with a maximum repayment term of 60 months to address defects to park homes.
Applicants will need to provide written confirmation of security of tenure on their park home site. This might include a pitch agreement or a lease document.
Works may include:
8.2 Loans are administered by Lendology CIC, conditions apply see Section 14
| not applicable | Homeowner | Tenant | Park home owner | Landlord | Max Grant £ | Means Tested | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empty property loan | Yes | No | No | No | £25,000 | Yes (Subject to affordability check) | Lendology |
9.1 Up to £25,000 per “unit of accommodation” to bring an empty property back into use. The availability of loans to property owners is subject to there being a public benefit which shall include at least one of the following:
9.2 Eligibility for this loan will be determined on a case-by-case basis by Dorset Council and approval subject to the applicant agreeing in writing prior to approval of the loan specific conditions related to providing the public benefit listed above. The following conditions apply.
9.2.1 The ability of the landlord to secure a commercial loan will also be a factor in considering eligibility for a loan from the Council.
9.2.2 Loans may permit either renting or sale. This loan is not available to create a holiday home, second home or some other commercial use.
9.2.3 Properties made available to rent must be let at or below Local Housing Allowance levels and remain available for an agreed period likely to be equal to the period of the loan.
9.2.4 If the property is rented, the landlord must become a member of the Council’s Landlords’ Partnership.
9.2.5 Loans provided to enable renovation before sale will be repayable on sale or after two years whichever is the sooner.
9.2.6 Loans are administered by Lendology CIC, conditions apply see section 14.
9.2.7 Loans are only available via the nomination public benefit outlined above, where the Council is satisfied that there is a proven demand for affordable housing in that geographical area, for properties of that size and type.
| not applicable | Homeowner | Tenant | Park home owner | Landlord | Max Grant £ | Means Tested | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy Homes Dorset | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Variable | No | Healthy Homes Dorset |
10.1 The aim of Healthy Homes Dorset is to improve the lives of those identified as at risk of poor health from cold, energy inefficient homes.
The service can provide all Dorset residents with free impartial advice on energy efficiency in their homes.
The outcomes of Healthy Homes Dorset are to improve the health and wellbeing of the recipients, reduce demand for health and social care services and improve energy efficiency.
10.2 - Eligibility
The scheme aims to provide a ‘one stop shop’ to improve the energy efficiency, thermal insulation and heating systems in homes of those identified as at risk of poor health from colder homes.
Vulnerable people include:
10.3 All Dorset residents are eligible for free energy advice.
The scheme may grant fund the following works to eligible applicants at no cost to the applicant:
The assistance may also include any work to prepare the home for insulation e.g. repairing cracked walls or render or cutting a larger loft hatch.
10.4 Conditions
Subject to meeting the eligibility criteria all works provided by the scheme are free.
11.1 Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government energy efficiency scheme helping reduce carbon emissions and tackling fuel poverty. Healthy Homes Dorset provides help and advice for residents in Dorset to access this funding.
Measures to improve the energy efficiency of homes may include:
The Dorset Council - Statement of Intent for ECO4 and Great British Insulation Scheme (published on the Dorset Council website.) and their successor documents broadens the national eligibility criteria allowing more residents to access funding in Dorset.
11.2 Eligibility
This is a national scheme and eligibility may change over time.
Those on low income or on means tested benefits are likely to be eligible for funding.
Healthy Homes Dorset will check eligibility for applicants.
| not applicable | Homeowner | Tenant | Park home owner | Landlord | Max Grant £ | Means Tested | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency Loans | Yes | No | No | Yes | £15000 | Yes (Subject to affordability check) | Lendology |
12.1 Energy efficiency loans: up to a maximum of £15,000 to provide the following works in domestic property:
12.2 All works are subject to a survey by a competent person, no early repayment charges are applied and there are variable repayment periods available. Loans are administered by Lendology CIC conditions apply see section 14.
12.3 Loans are available to owner occupiers and landlords subject to an affordability check.
| not applicable | Homeowner | Tenant | Park home owner | Landlord | Max Grant £ | Means Tested | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Improvement Grant | Yes | Yes (Excludes works that are required by law for a landlord to provide) | Yes | No (Excludes works that are required by law for a landlord to provide) | £10000 | No | Dorset Accessible Homes Service |
13.1 The Energy Improvement Grant is designed to enable homeowners with a disability to quickly access financial assistance to conduct a wide range of Energy improvements around the home.
Funding is made available by Dorset Council in response to the cost-of-living crisis.
13.2 This is to achieve and promote independent living, assist people coping with the cost-of-living crisis and assist with meeting local authority energy efficiency commitments.
13.3 Funding is discretionary and may be withdrawn without warning by the Council on any applications prior to the formal approval of the grant.
This assistance only remains available while funds permit.
13.4 Eligibility
A person is eligible to apply for an Energy Improvement Grant if they:
13.5 Grant exemptions
The grant assistance will not be provided for tenanted properties where the eligible works are the normal, legal responsibility of the landlord or where a landlord is subject to enforcement proceedings by the Council. (For example, an Improvement Notice or other Housing Act 2004 notice or tenants living in property with an F or G rated EPC.
Tenants living in housing association properties are excluded from this grant as housing associations have an obligation to meet legislative energy guidelines.
13.6 Eligible works
At the Dorset Accessible Home Service discretion, a grant will be considered for the reasonable cost of the work necessary to:
13.7 Amount of Assistance
13.8 Conditions attached to the grant
14.1 In response to government guidance promoting the use of loans to encourage private sector renewal Dorset Council is a member of a consortium of Councils in the SW that funds Lendology Community Interest Company (Lendology CIC). Lendology CIC provides a range of affordable loans on behalf of these Councils.
14.2 The conditions below relate to all loans administered by Lendology CIC
The following conditions apply:
14.4 Loan products are constantly being reviewed, but Lendology CIC have a variety of loan products to meet individual need. The core products include:
14.5 Lendology CIC’s financial assessment will determine the most appropriate loan product to meet individual need. In some circumstances, applicants may require a combination of loan products and a variation of interest rate to ensure responsible and affordable lending.
14.6 The Council will respond to any enquiry for assistance by conducting a survey of the property to identify eligible works and will discuss eligibility for a subsidised loan.
14.7 The Council will confirm the works eligible for assistance and forward a referral to Lendology CIC, who operate as the Council’s loan administrator.
Eligible works on Home Loans will be restricted to those necessary to meet the Decent Homes Standard only. To simplify the process for applicants Lendology CIC may conduct financial assessments ahead of any survey by the Council should the initial enquiry be made to Lendology CIC.
In such situations it will still be necessary for the Council to determine the eligible works and approve the application.
14.8 Lendology CIC will determine if a loan can be provided and agree the terms of any such loan with the applicant before requesting the Council’s consent to the approval of the loan application.
It is the function of Lendology CIC to determine which loan product, if any, is available to an applicant following a financial assessment.
Their decision on an applicant’s ability to service a loan is final. Lendology CIC will determine if a loan can be provided and agree the terms of any such loan with the applicant before requesting the Council’s consent to the approval of the loan application. Referral can only be made by the Council and any loan offered can only cover the cost of works deemed eligible by the Council.
14.9 Applications for loans are made direct to Lendology CIC. An application will need to be accompanied by two competitive estimates suitably itemised.
Loans are subject to a limit of £25,000 (£10,000 for park homes) and once approved are registered by Lendology CIC at the Land Registry as a title restriction.
Approval of loans more than £25,000 may be considered as an exception to this policy but will be subject to support from the loan administrator and will require the approval of the Corporate Director Housing in consultation with the portfolio holder Housing.
14.10 On confirmation from Lendology CIC that a loan application may be approved, the Council will review the loan offer, and the details of the application. The Council will make the final decision on the loan application and notify Lendology CIC accordingly.
14.11 The loan agreement is between the property owner and Lendology CIC. It is the responsibility of the applicant to undertake the works for which the loan is provided, make the agreed repayments to Lendology CIC and to confirm completion of the works to the Council.
14.12 The interest rate charged by the loan provider will be fixed for the duration of the loan and will be between 0% – 4%.
14.13 Lendology CIC have total discretion on assessing an applicant’s ability to finance a loan. There is no right of appeal against their decision.
14.14 Multiple loan applications: The maximum number of loan applications that Dorset Council will consider by any one applicant (either a person, company, charity or trust) or related to one particular property is two.
Note: The capital for these loans is provided by the Council but administered by Lendology CIC. All loans prior to being approved may be withdrawn by the Council without warning.
15.1 This policy has been subject to an Equality Impact Assessment
15.2 In providing financial assistance we are committed to ensuring that no one is discriminated against based on their:
15.3 Dorset Council actively supports the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces and their families are treated fairly.
Dorset Council reserves the right to use its discretion to ensure members of the armed forces community face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of our services.
15.4 Fostering: Dorset Council actively supports applications from people who are considering or already fostering children.
15.5 A version of this policy can be provided in large print upon request.
This policy was last reviewed in 2024.
The next expected review date is 2026.
