Improvement Works In Lieu of Local Authority Housing

Under this scheme, the local authority may improve or extend a privately owned house to eliminate defects or to provide additional accommodation where it is necessary to eliminate overcrowding. The improvement works in-lieu scheme is an alternative to providing local authority housing. Carrying out the work must satisfy your housing need and result in your removal from the housing waiting list.

It is aimed at:

• Owner-occupiers whose homes are overcrowded or sub-standard and who cannot afford to carry out improvements.

The scheme does not apply to improvements to private rented houses.

Persons benefiting under the scheme are required to pay a weekly or monthly charge related to their means and the cost of the works carried out by the local authority.

If you qualify, the local authority will pay the full costs of the works carried out and you will then pay a charge to the local authority for a maximum of 15 years. If during the 15 year period, you have paid an amount equal to the total cost of the works, the charge will stop.

The charge will be worked out in a similar way to the differential rent scheme local authority rents so it is based on your ability to pay.

You may qualify if you are:

• Registered on the local authority housing waiting list

The local authority will take into account the urgency of your housing needs and the cost-effectiveness of the proposal when deciding whether to improve your house.

You can sell the house at any time. However, if you do so during the 15 year period of charges or before your total payments equal the cost of the works, you will have to make a repayment to the authority.