Private Homes - Housing Renewal Policy
The Vale of Glamorgan Council is dedicating millions of pounds to helping private householders in the county to repair, adapt and improve their homes.
Funding, advice and assistance are on offer to eligible people throughout the Vale. Assistance will be targeted at the Penarth Central Renewal Area and to Disabled Facilities Grants.
This is one of many new changes introduced under the revised Housing Renewal Policy, which came into force on 3 May 2005 and has a number of new benefits for local homeowners.
Changes to the policy, which were introduced following consultation with interested parties, also include a fast track and prioritisation procedure for people applying for Disabled Facilities Grants.
The Council will take a more pro-active role in relation to vacant properties and take action in respect of them. New home loans and equity release schemes will also be piloted.
A number of changes are also being made in Renewal Areas, including the extension of the Home Repair Assistance Grant to pensioners, a new 10-year letting condition for landlords and a new Home Safety Grant for pensioners and young families.
Renewal Areas will also benefit from a new Regeneration Grant to convert commercial buildings into homes.
The Penarth Central Renewal Area will benefit from renovation grants for internal works, following a group repair scheme, and emergency grants for vulnerable people in receipt of a means tested benefit.
Other financial assistance to be made available in the Renewal Areas is to owners of vacant properties or owners applying to convert their properties to provide additional residential accommodation.
John Thomas, the Cabinet Member for Housing, Building Services and Community Safety said: "The Council and Government's investment into community regeneration through Renewal Area initiatives has already had a positive effect on areas around Vere Street in Barry and the central area of Penarth.
"The revised Housing Renewal Policy confirms the Council's continued commitment to Renewal Areas."
Copies of both documents are available at local libraries or you can download them below in PDF format.
Download the Vale of Glamorgan Council's Housing Renewal Policy (PDF)