Housing assistance policy consultation
Published
Wednesday 2 April, 2025
Updated
Wednesday 2 April, 2025
Vulnerable residents could have easier access to financial help to make life changing improvements, repairs and adaptations to their homes.
Swale Borough Council is asking for people’s views on their draft housing assistance policy which outlines what help they can offer to disabled, elderly or vulnerable householders.
These interventions include loans, grants, practical assistance, minor repairs, and invaluable advice, helping people regain their independence, confidence and dignity.
The draft policy is proposing to increase the disregarded amount of income from £8,000 to £10,000 in disability fund grant calculations, making it easier for people to apply for the funding.
If approved it would also double the maximum interest free loans from £5,000 to £10,000 so vulnerable residents can make more extensive, life improving changes to their homes.
The policy is also looking to improve the fast-track system and would allow delegated decisions to speed up repairs, where a person’s health has suddenly deteriorated or they are in urgent need.
The council’s Staying Put home improvement agency will use the policy to guide their important work, helping to repair, adapt or improve vulnerable people’s homes.
Helping 1,272 people last year through giving them advice and practical assistance and helping them regain their independence, confidence and dignity.
They can provide free health and safety checks at your home, identify repairs or adaptations, walk people through grant applications, fix smaller issues for free and help people get back into their homes out of hospital.
Read the draft housing assistance policy and have your say on Swale Borough Council’s website.
Find out if you are eligible for support from the council’s Staying Put initiative here.
