29 April 2008: 123 houses improved to a decent homes standard

Media: 987

Over £434,000 has been made available to residents in receipt of benefit where their homes have failed to meet the decent homes standard. Working with our partners Anchor Staying Put, one hundred and twenty three properties were improved.

By using a range of Minor Repair Grants (ranging from £750 to £6,000 depending on the type of grant) Lewes District Council Environmental Health Department helps to tackle a range of issues. Grants have been made for emergency repairs, to reduce fuel poverty (for example by installing fuel efficient boilers), and to improve structural problems (for example leaking roofs, or staircases in disrepair).

Mark Wiltshire, Environmental Health Manager said, “These small grants make a real difference to people, at the same time allowing us to protect our housing stock for the future. By tackling a range of initiatives we are not only helping to reduce fuel poverty and taking positive steps to protect the environment, but we also reducing accidents and ill health in the home. It is a credit to the Environmental Health team who have worked so hard to deliver these grants, and the biggest thanks always comes from those who have enjoyed the benefit of our work”.

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Media enquiries: Liz Lacon, Communications Manager