5.1. The council offers a Home Improvement Agency (HIA) Service to applicants for the assistances outlined in this policy.
5.2. The service offers practical assistance to householders and manages the relationship between the householder and contractors to ensure that scheduled works are value for money and meet both the householders and the councils’ requirements.
5.3. The service is intended to take away the anxiety and stress associated with organising and having building works carried out to your home.
In general, the service helps with:
- Preparing funding applications
- drawing up technical specifications and plans.
- preparing work schedules and obtaining approval for works
- overseeing approved grants and loan works.
5.4. There is no cost for the HIA service outlined above but applicants accessing the service will need to sign an agency agreement.
5.5. Applicants do not have to use the HIA service to obtain a Disabled Facilities Grant.
5.6. Applicants for all other assistances must use the HIA service.
5.7. As a landlord the council requires the oversight provided by the HIA in their properties. Therefore, tenants of the council must use the HIA service in all instances.
