Free loans to repair Hampshire homes (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Free loans to repair Hampshire homes

11:08am Tuesday 9th February 2010 in

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INTEREST free loans are being offered to vulnerable residents who need to repair their homes, but do not have the cash.

They are being offered by Push 4 Safer Homes, which has been set up by several local authorities in Hampshire.

Grants for the elderly and vulnerable of up to £5,000 for home improvements are already available, but the new scheme aims to fill the gap when extra cash is needed.

Around £8m is being made available across seven local authorities including Winchester, Test Valley and East Hampshire It is in addition to Warm Front grants, which already help the elderly and vulnerable to replace heating systems and fit insulation.

As for the new scheme, it works by residents applying for an interest free loan, which is secured on their property. When they eventually sell it, part of the cash is used to repay the money.

Cllr Seán Woodward, who chairs PUSH, said: “The project focuses on more than just keeping people warm, it also offers interest free deferred payment loans to improve the safety and accessibility of the homes our residents live in.”

Grants are also available for landlords to bring empty properties back into use, but are not interest free.

For more information call the hotline on 0800 519 1717 or visit www.push.gov.uk/4_safer_homes.