Housing renewal assistance policy 2026 - 2030: 1. Introduction - 4. Purpose of the policy
4.1 Overview
The Housing Acts give councils the power to offer informal help and discretionary financial assistance to owner occupiers, tenants and private sector landlords to improve the quality and availability of housing. Where there is a disabled person in a household, in many circumstances local authorities have a mandatory duty to offer a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to assist with the cost of adaptation work.
As resources are limited and there is substantial demand especially for mandatory DFGs, it is essential to ensure that financial assistance is offered on a fair, priority basis that takes account of competing needs. This Policy aims to offer assistance to vulnerable households on an individual basis to help sustain the private sector for long term public benefit.
4.2 Private dwellings
The responsibility to maintain private property rests firmly with the owner, but the condition and availability of private sector housing stock does have substantial implications for this Council's housing strategy, especially in terms of access to affordable housing. Owners are encouraged to:
- keep their homes in good repair and prioritise regular maintenance
- have relevant and adequate property (home) insurance
Between 2026 and 2030 the council does not expect to receive or be able to fund any works of repair or maintenance to any homes in the borough whether they be owner occupied or not.
4.3 Social housing and private renting
Landlords of social housing and private rented dwellings have a wide range of legal duties and responsibility to maintain their properties for the benefits of their tenants. The council has no grants or funding to help landlords or tenants repair or maintain their homes. Where deemed necessary the council will take relevant enforcement action in line with its published Housing Enforcement Policy to ensure appropriate housing standards are met.
4.4 Strategic priorities 2026 - 2030
This Policy links with national, regional and local strategic priorities. The council has a track record of securing external funding for a variety of housing and regeneration initiatives. Based on the above the council has prioritised the following using identified funding sources:
| Priority | Area of work | Funded by (where available) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mandatory Disabled Facilities Grant | Government annual allocation currently as part of the Better Care Fund allocation |
| 2 | Aids and adaptations including but not limited to: ‘inflationary allowance’, ‘exceptional top-up’ assistance, Early Prevention works, Handyperson Service, Walsall Society for the Blind referral scheme, relocation grants, hospital discharge scheme. | Council capital resources and external loan and grant funds. |
| 3 | Address Category 1 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. | Council capital resources External loan and grant funds. As at 2026 there is no funding available for this except via statutory enforcement. |
| 4 | Create decent private sector homes reducing deaths and hospital admissions due to cold / damp properties. | - |
| 5 | Reduce fuel poverty and CO2 emissions from heating in dwellings. | External loan and grant funds. |
| 6 | Tackling long term empty homes | Council capital resources External loan and grant funds. As at 2026 there is no funding available for this except via statutory enforcement. |
4.5 Bids for external funding
Some forms of funding are ‘ring-fenced’ or available for specific purposes and in some cases these help secure additional funding from external partners. The council will continue to bid for external funding to improve housing stock in the borough and particularly to meet its key priorities.
4.6 Key legislation
Section 18 details the key legislation governing the Housing Renewal Policy.