Who can we help?
Residents in the Highlands may be eligible for a council grant to help towards making improvements to their home, so homeowners, tenants, crofters and landlords are being advised to check to see if they qualify for help.
Homeowners
Grants are available to homeowners who have lived in their property for at least 2 years and who use the property as their main residence. Disabled homeowners are automatically entitled for help with certain improvement work provided that the Council is satisfied that the works are necessary.
Crofters
Crofters are treated as homeowners and additional help may be available to them through the Crofter’s Commission Croft House Grant Scheme
Landlords
Landlords may get a grant if they let their property to people who are not members of their family. If they let their property to disabled tenants, they are obliged to carry out certain work.
Tenants
Tenants can apply to get a grant for any work that is their responsibility under their lease, but they will be required to seek the permission of their landlord.
All grants are awarded at the discretion of The Highland Council but there are works that automatically qualify for grant such as installing a bath or shower specifically for the use of a disabled person.
Eligible Works
Works eligible for grant fall into the following categories:
Repairs - this includes re-roofing, re-roughcasting, structural repairs, replacement of lead pipes, replacement or repairs to defective windows and doors.
Improvements - such as the provision of baths and showers and hot and cold water.
Adaptations - to meet the needs of disabled occupiers.
Council Grant Officers are happy to give general advice on repair and improvements and are able to give sound advice on what assistance the Council may be able to offer.
Anyone wishing to find out more should contact their local Grants Officer for further details:-
- Inverness 01463 703946
- Ross & Cromarty 01349 868498 or 868651
- Nairn 01540 664508
- Lochaber 01397 707006
- Badenoch & Strathspey 01540 664508
- Skye & Lochalsh 01478 612727
- Sutherland & Caithness 01408 635325
If you or a member of your family is over 60 years old or has a disability then you may be able to ask the local Care & Repair service to help you apply for a grant and arrange for contractors to provide quotes for the work to be carried out. Care & Repair is a confidential service that provides free information & advice to homeowners and tenants. Contact details for Care & Repair agents are as follows:-
Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey
Cairn Housing Association - 01463 229151
Ross & Cromarty
ILM Highland 01349 884565
Sutherland
ILM Highland - 01549 402679
Skye & Lochalsh
Lochalsh & Skye Housing Association - 01478 612035
Lochaber
Lochaber Care & Repair - 01397 706333
Caithness
Pentland Housing Association - 01847 807107