Homeowners

Click on the links below for detailed information on specific topics.

Renewal Assistance
Disabled Adaptations
Heating and Energy Efficiency
Home Security
Relocation
Safe at Home

Renewal Assistance

Home Improvement Grants are currently unavailable at this time.

Disabled Adaptations

Disabled Facility Grants (DFG) are available if you have a disability, to help you live safely and independently at home.

You must first request an assessment of your needs to be carried out by an Occupational Therapist (OT). To request an assessment contact the Norfolk Social Services Access Team on 0844 800 8014. It is important to give them as much detail as you can about the difficulties you are having, as your request will be prioritised.

The OT will make a recommendation to the Borough Council detailing the adaptations you need. These grants are means tested so you might not be eligible to receive a grant for the full cost of the works.

The maximum grant payable is £30,000 and if the cost of the works exceeded this, Norfolk Social Services could provide a discretionary 'top-up' loan if you are unable to meet this cost. The loan would be secured by a charge on your home, which will only be repayable when you sell the property.

You can make a preliminary enquiry about your eligibility for assistance by printing off this disabled facility grant form and sending it to the renewal team at the above address

Heating and Energy Efficiency

Grants are available if you are receiving an income or disability related benefit through the government’s Warm Front scheme. Improvements that the Warm Front Grant can provide includes loft insulation, draughtproofing, cavity-wall insulation, hot-water-tank insulation, energy-efficient light bulbs, gas,electric or oil central heating. In this area the scheme is run by the Eaga Partnership Ltd. who can be contacted by telephone on (free phone) 0800 316 2814.

Home Security

This scheme is targeted towards the elderly, disabled and people on low income. It provides the installation of security measures to properties, such as door and window locks, bolts, and chains, spy holes and kick panels. The service is also available to people who feel threatened and are fearful of becoming the victim of a burglary.

The services are provided free of charge through Norfolk PACT (Partners Against Crime Taskforce). The partnership includes Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Age Concern Norfolk and Norfolk Constabulary. PACT can be contacted on 01603 276306, or you can ask the renewal team about the scheme.

Relocation

Relocation could be a more suitable solution for some applicants in preference to renovation, improvement or adaptation of their existing dwelling. This would take into account such things as its general condition and suitability for improvement or adaptation, its location and environment, and the cost effectiveness of the works required to meet the applicant’s needs. Consideration would also be given to ensure that the proposed works met the needs of the applicant both now and into the future.

Assistance could be provided to acquire an alternative property and to dispose of the existing dwelling. This assistance could include legal and financial advice and financial help to acquire the new property using a shared equity agreement.

Safe at Home

Safe at Home is a Home Improvement Agency that provides practical help and advice for older, disabled and vulnerable people needing repairs or adaptations to their homes

If you:

·are over 60, or
·have a disability – or someone in your family living with you has a disability, or
·qualify for income support or council tax benefit – or any other income related benefit

Safe At Home will be able to take the worry out of getting building work done in your home. If you are a lone parent or if you feel vulnerable in some way Safe At Home may be able to help you too. Safe At Home helps people who need to adapt or repair the place where they live so they can continue to live there independently.
For more information visit the Safe at Home page on our website
What we do

Someone from Safe At Home will visit you to discuss what might need doing to make your home suitable for you in your present circumstances. Then – depending on what you want – Safe At Home can help in a number of practical ways.

This includes:

·preparing plans and specifications for the work
·contacting builders, electricians or whoever, to do the work
·helping you apply for grants that may be available, and
·supervising the work to make sure it is carried out properly.

Safe at Home simply makes life easier by giving you free unbiased advice on any aspect of home improvements – and helping you to get it done.

Safe At Home is Home Improvement Agency funded by: