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GUIDANCE FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES ON IMPROVEMENT AND REPAIRS GRANTS
Part I
Aims of the Improvement and Repair Grants System
1. AIMS OF THE INPROVEMENT AND REPAIR GRANTS SYSTEM
1.1 The purpose of the improvement and repair grant system is to achieve a significant improvement in the condition of the private housing stock in Scotland, by providing financial assistance where it is needed. All applications for grant, and local policies in relation to the grants system, should be considered with this in mind. Enhancements to the amount of grant available target specific works identified as tackling priorities in respect of public safety and health, as well as facilitating participation in schemes to repair or improve a group of houses.
1.2 The system is not intended to be used to meet the convenience of a particular occupier of an already satisfactory house (for example to enlarge the property) nor to support the commercial activity of a landlord. There may, however, be cases when these types of applications might be approved, where they contribute to meeting the housing needs of the local community.
1.3 Grants should not be given for work which is tantamount to building a new house, for example where what is essentially a new house is built on little more than the foundations or part of the walls of a derelict building. There must be an existing house to be improved, or an existing building to be converted, where this is deemed appropriate. Public funds for new building are principally directed at the provision of affordable housing, mainly for rent, through development funding linked to a strategic approach. In exceptional circumstances, grant may be given to individuals to build private housing, through schemes such as Communities Scotland's Rural Home Ownership Grant.
1.4 The introduction of an assessment of the applicant's contribution to the cost of works emphasises that improvement and repair grants are intended to provide assistance to those who are unable to meet the costs of ensuring their property is in good condition and suitable for their needs. The primary responsibility for maintenance of private housing lies with the owner. Grant is available to help if they cannot afford to do this, with those on the lowest incomes receiving the highest levels of grant. It is important to safeguard public funds for the benefit of those genuinely in need, and local authorities should therefore scrutinise applications carefully to ensure that the works are necessary, the costs are reasonable, and the resources available to all those with responsibility for the property have been taken into account.
1.5 Landlords and developers are expected to consider the costs of maintenance and improvements when setting rents or drawing up a business plan. However, in some cases works which are not commercially viable are desirable to increase or improve the housing stock available to the local community, and grants can be used to promote such action. In developing policies on making grants to landlords, local authorities should also consider the potential impact on tenants, in terms both of housing condition and rent levels.
1.6 Funding for Improvement and Repairs Grants, and other investment in private housing, is provided to local authorities by the Scottish Executive through Private Sector Housing Grant (PSHG). PSHG is allocated in a process which takes account of both national and local priorities, with target outcomes agreed between the authority and the Scottish Executive. Further information on PSHG is available from Mary Munro, telephone 0131 479 5297, email munrom@communitiesscotland.gov.uk
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