Council seeks your views on proposed changes to home repair grants

Cheshire East Council is proposing changes to its grants and loans policy for home adaptations and essential repairs where residents are in need of additional support.

It has launched a consultation on proposed changes to its Home Repairs and Adaptions Policy and is inviting the views of residents and other interested organisations and support groups.   

While recognising that not everyone is in need of council assistance, the authority wants to make sure that the most vulnerable are protected and continue to receive a level of support which can keep them safe and well.

The council is proposing changes to several grants and loans currently available to assist people with certain housing needs. 

It is now consulting on proposed changes to:

• Affordable warmth grant – to be retained, but with a more targeted focus on who receives it; 
• Disabled facilities grant – to be retained, but with discretionary funding removed reducing the grant from £50,000 to £30,000;
• Healthy homes and empty homes loans – both to be retained, but only if funding is available; and
• Independent living loan, but with changes to the types of works eligible

The following grants are not affected:  

• Disability relocation grant to assist people with disabilities to move home; 
• Targeted regeneration grant to upgrade properties in certain areas; and 
• Urgent adaptation grant for urgent home adaptations where there is a life-limiting illness. 

The council first introduced a Home Repair and Adaptations Policy in 2009, which was last updated in 2022. Where there is a statutory requirement for the council to provide a grant, such as the disabled facilities grant of up to £30,000, this will not be affected.

Councillor Michael Gorman, chair of Chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, said:

“It is vital we receive feedback to these changes from our residents, charities and support groups. Our priority is to ensure that no one is left vulnerable and at risk. There are several proposed changes that could affect many people in different ways, so please let us have your feedback.   

“The affordable warmth grant will continue to be available but in a more targeted form, meaning that those who need it most, will receive it. People with disabilities who need to move to more appropriate accommodation, will continue to receive support to do so.    

“It is essential that we do what we can to keep our vulnerable residents protected, in good health and out of hospital.”   

The consultation, which is in the form of a survey, can be accessed here: 

council's website 

The closing date for responses is 22 January 2025.