Consultation on proposed changes to Cheshire West and Chester Council’s home assistance policy ends on January 21

Jan 18 2011 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

A CONSULTATION on proposed changes to Cheshire West and Chester Council’s home assistance policy ends tomorrow (Friday, January 21).

The council says that since its introduction in April 2009, the initiative has helped to improve 120 homes to the decent homes standard and energy efficiency in more than 1,100 homes in the borough.

Over 300 disabled residents have been able to maintain their independence, almost 40 long term empty houses have been brought back into use and 24 affordable homes have been created.

The council says it now wants to make some changes to the initiative and to extend it for a further three years.

The priorities and the approach have been updated to reflect recently developed strategies, new initiatives and information on the condition of private sector housing in Cheshire West and Chester.

The authority insists it is committed to improving the quality of private sector housing in the borough, particularly for vulnerable and elderly households.

It also wants to assist home owners living in poor housing conditions who are finding it difficult to maintain or improve their property and to enable residents with disabilities to live independently in their homes for longer.

The aim is also to increase the supply of good quality private rented accommodation.

The council says there are a number of ways in which it can help including a variety of loans and grants.

Details of the proposed changes can be seen in the consultations pages on the council’s web site.

Views can be sent to privatehousing@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or people can write to Private Sector Housing, Council Offices, 4 Civic Way, Ellesmere Port CH65 0BE.