A flexible loan to help you improve the warmth comfort and security of your home

One of our aims as a local authority is to help improve the warmth, comfort, safety and security of housing in our area.

We have created a loan that will help you remain in a well maintained home during your retirement and you can repay as little or as much of the loan as you like each month.

All this is backed up with the peace of mind that the loans are provided by your local authority on a not for profit basis.

Who is eligible?

Any home-owners who are aged 60 years or over . In the case of joint owners, one must be at least 60 years of age whilst the other must be 55 years of age or over.

In exceptional circumstance we may be able to offer loans to individuals aged under 60 years but at least 55 years of age. Please contact us for details.  

What improvements can be considered? 

We will consider improvements that will make the home safer, warmer, healthier or more comfortable for the occupants. Examples of work that may be acceptable include:

• Essential repairs and maintenance
• Central heating or improvements to heating
• Replacement doors and windows
• Improvements to insulation
• Roof and structural repairs
• Replacement bathroom suites
• Installation of level access showers
• Plumbing and drainage repairs
• Rewiring
• Replacement kitchens
• Burglar alarms and home security
• Replacement guttering, soffits and cladding
• Work associated with eradicating damp, wet rot, dry rot and woodworm
• Installation of stairlifts or other adaptations

How does the scheme work?

The loans are described as flexible and they are exactly that. During the term of the loan you can choose to make regular monthly payments, occasional payments or no payments at all. Furthermore, you are free to vary the arrangement at any time.

The loan, plus outstanding interest, must be repaid if the home is sold, or if the owners cease to occupy it. The loan can also be paid off at any time without penalty.

The loan will be secured by a charge on the property.

Interest will be charged at a low rate linked to the Bank of England rate (please contact us for a quotation). Your account will also be debited with an annual charge of £15 to cover the cost of loan administration and statements.

Are there any initial costs?

In certain circumstances the Council may need to obtain a valuation of your property to confirm the equity is sufficient to cover the loan. This is unlikely to be needed in the majority of cases.

There will be a fee of £30 for the legal charge, plus a fee to the land registry, which will be quoted at the time of application.

If you have an existing mortgage your lender might make a charge for providing necessary information and, if you decide to engage a solicitor to act for you, they will almost certainly charge for their service.

Any fees incurred may, if you wish, be added to the loan.

Date Updated: 13/10/11