At today’s Housing Sub Committee, Councillors agreed to expand the qualifying criteria for the Below Tolerable Standard (BTS) policy in order to improve more properties in our region. The BTS sets out a list of criteria to determine whether a property is habitable. The Standard addresses issues of public health, comfort and safety.

Some of the criteria used to assess a property include the stability of the structure and whether there is an adequate supply of hot and cold water. It should also have an effective drainage system and be substantially free from rising or penetrating damp.

In 2013/14, there have been 228 enquiries received under the BTS. These are at various stages of completion, investigation or assessment. Grants have been awarded or approved for 81 cases, so far.

The criteria has now been amended to allow people to apply even if the property is not the applicants only or principal home and if the applicant has lived in the house for less than six months.

A 100% grant will now be available to applicants in receipt of Income Support, Employment Support Allowance, Income based Job Seekers Allowance & Guaranteed Element of Pension Credit.

Councillor Jim McClung, Chair of the Council’s Housing Sub Committee said
“Everyone should be living in a safe and healthy environment, but this is not always possible. In response, we have simplified the application process to help more people improve their living conditions. We also want to help bring long term empty properties back into use, so owners of these properties will also be entitled to a 30% grant.”

Any householder who thinks they may be entitled to a grant to tackle BTS issues can contact the Council’s contact centre on 030 33 33 3000.