An interest free loan placed as a financial charge on the property is available to pay for repairs in situations where:-

• There is a risk of electric shock or fire as a result of a faulty electrical installation.
• There is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning - in a case like this, remedial works will be limited to the removal of the defective appliance and its replacement with an appliance of a similar type.
• There is a risk in the very near future of the collapse of part of the building.
• Rainwater is getting into an occupied room or around a light fitting or a power source and is likely to cause a serious risk to health.
• The property is so damp as to make it unhealthy to live in.
• The repair or replacement of a domestic water/central heating appliance is necessary in accommodation which is occupied by elderly people or young children.
• The drains have collapsed and are causing sewage to leak out and the repairs are not covered by property insurance.
• The Council considers the property to be excessively cold. (In the case of elderly applicants, assistance will only be given if they cannot get a 'Warm Front' grant from the government).

The maximum interest-free loan will be £6,000. The interest free loan takes the form of a financial charge on the property. This means it must be paid back to the Council when the property is sold.

Applicants must be over 18 years old and in receipt of Income Support or Council Tax Benefit. In some cases other home owners who can prove they cannot afford the necessary repairs may get assistance.

If the cost of any professional investigation such as an electrical, gas engineer's or timber specialist's report is met as part of the loan from the Council, this will have to be paid back to the Council [i.e. it will be a charge on the property] whether or not a repair scheme goes ahead.

When a home-owner asks for assistance, the Council may carry out an inspection of the home. In some cases, the Council may require additional repairs or improvements to be undertaken. The costs will be included in the amount of the loan. Where the cost of works is likely to exceed £6,000 an Equity Renewal Loan will be offered instead of Home Repair Assistance.

Applicants over 60 years of age should contact the Wirral Home Improvement Agency by telephoning 0151 691 8090.

Applicants aged between 18 and 59 years should contact the Private Sector Housing Renewal Team on 0151 691 8144.