Housing renewal assistance policy 2026 - 2030: 1. Introduction - 10.4 DFG 'exceptional top-ups'

The Council will consider assistance for adaptations costing more than the mandatory grant limit, which is currently £30,000. This assistance is known as an ‘exceptional top-up’ and is available for owner occupiers and private tenants only. This assistance is available for a level above the ‘Inflationary top up’ at 10.3 (if this is in force).

Applications for this assistance will be considered on a case by case basis and in light of the resources available to the council to offer assistance.

Assistance will only be provided in exceptional cases.

Applicants for this assistance must clearly show why their household is unable to access alternative funds (savings, high street loans etc.)

Requests for assistance in excess of £10,000 are unlikely to be considered appropriate due to the amount of total funds involved for example this would equate to a grant totalling £45,000 (if including full Inflationary Assistance).

Exceptional Top-Up Assistance is discretionary and the decision whether to award it or not will be made by the council.

Any ‘top-up grant’ will be subject to a land charge for the full amount of the ‘top up’ (no minimum or maximum) in addition to the land charge for the mandatory grant explained in section 10.2 and in addition to the inflationary top up 10.3.

The exceptional top-up land charge will remain in force until property ownership changes (i.e. there is no time limit). The land charge will be recoverable upon the sale or relevant disposal. Discretion to waive the imposition of the land charge or not to reclaim the charge will be governed by the procedure and criteria within 10.2 and 10.3. The decision will be delegated to the Head of Housing.