Further information about private housing assistance in Eastbourne, with a summary of terms and conditions for grants, charges and loans.
For detailed information please refer to our Private Housing Renewal Policy:
About Grants, Charges and Loans
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A ‘grant’ is funding given for a specific purpose, this is not repayable unless conditions are not met.
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A ‘charge’ is a charge on a property made by the council for a specific amount, repayable when the property is sold or exchanged.
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A ‘loan’ is an arrangement to repay the assistance normally through our partner organisation the Parity Trust (formerly known as South Coast Moneyline).
We will ensure that applicants are given clear information and are fully aware of any obligations once assistance has been provided. For assistance above £1000 a charge will be placed against the property.
Capital repaid to the council when dwellings are sold or on change of title will be reinvested in the programme. Other smaller grants are not repayable. The charges are discretionary and repayment demands will be determined on a case by case basis reflecting the individual circumstances of each applicant.
Fees and Charges
Fees of up to 15 per cent of the eligible works may be charged by service providers for assisting a client through the process of obtaining assistance.
Other charges can include those for Land Registry, Planning or Building Control and surveyor or architect fees. The council will consider whether fees are reasonable in assessing and determining any application. Obtaining Planning and Building Control approval are the responsibility of the applicant.
If a preliminary structural or electrical survey is required to determine the extent of work necessary then the applicant will be liable for these fees. The application must include satisfactory invoices so that, if assistance is approved, the applicant may be reimbursed for some or all of these costs.
What is Excluded from our Private Housing Renewal Assistance?
Separate funding is available for works to social housing and our Private Housing Renewal Assistance will not therefore apply to this.
In view of the level of need within traditional private housing funding will not normally be available for boats, caravans or tents. Mandatory Disabled Facilities Grants are however now available for caravans and mobile homes provided that the eligibility criteria are met.
The council will not normally use its powers to acquire, demolish or replace homes as this would not provide the best value for money. Compulsory Purchase Orders and Management Orders may be appropriate under certain conditions for empty properties or certain Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
