Decent Home Standards

A decent home must meet the following four criteria:

1. It meets the current statutory minimum standard for housing. (It must be free from all Category 1 Hazards).

2. It is in a reasonable state of repair. Dwellings which fail to meet this criterion are those where either:

• one or more of the key building components are old and, because of their condition, need replacing or major repair; or
• two or more of the other building components are old and, because of their condition, need replacing or major repair.

3. It has reasonably modern facilities and services. Dwellings which fail to meet this criterion are those which lack three or more of the following:

• a reasonably modern kitchen (20 years old or less)
• a kitchen with adequate space and layout
• a reasonably modern bathroom (30 years old or less)
• an appropriately located bathroom and WC
• adequate insulation against external noise (where external noise is a problem)
• adequate size and layout of common areas for blocks of flats.

4. It provides a reasonable degree of thermal comfort. This criterion requires dwellings to have both effective insulation and
efficient heating.

The Warm Front Scheme

Grants are available to homeowners and private tenants in receipt of certain qualifying benefits to provide warmer and more energy efficient homes.

• Find out more about The Warm Front Scheme
• 
  View information on Flexible Home Loans (For homeowners with sufficient equity in their property)

Home Improvements
Dealing with builders and architects can become a very daunting process. The Council's Home Improvement Agency can take much of the worry and strain away from you

• View information on Home Improvements

Modifying your Home

• View Adaptation Grants
• View Disabled Facilities Grants

Repairing and Improving your Home

• View Information on Home Improvement Loans
• View Information on Major Repairs and Maintenance Grants

Making your Home Safe and Efficient

• View Fire Safety and Crime Prevention Grants
• View Energy Efficiency Grants

The Community Fund Grant Scheme

Help for local groups and organisations that provide a community benefit.

• Find out more about The Community Fund Grant Scheme