Landlords and private homeowners across the district are set to be given a helping hand by Basildon Council.

The council will assist with vital repairs and modernisation if members give the go ahead to a new finance policy.

The government has scrapped many of the restrictions on councils distributing money to private homeowners, making financial assistance available to many residents.

Portfolio holder for housing, councillor Tony Ball, said: "One of our key objectives is helping residents to live in homes that are secure, comfortable, affordable and meet their needs.

"This includes the private sector as well as council housing."

Council housing chiefs now have the opportunity to offer grants, loans and other forms of financial assistance for those people who qualify.

To receive the money, residents will have to satisfy the council that the work that needs doing is urgent.

Home repair assistance can be claimed for a range of home improvements ranging from between £300 and £7,500, while renovation grants can be requested for larger works costing up to £20,000.

The mandatory disabled facilities grant remains with a maximum award of £25,000.

For more information about mandatory or discretionary disabled facilities grants, call Basildon Council social services on 01268 643333.

For further details about housing repairs assistance or renovation grants, call Moat Care and Repair on 01268 583748.

Published Monday, June 30, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo