The application process

Step 1

Once Hastings Borough Council has received the referral from your Occupational Therapist the Grants Officer will contact you either by post or telephone to make an appointment to visit you in your home to ensure that the recommended work is 'Reasonable and Practicable'. The Grants Officer will also explain the next stage of the process to you and answer any questions that you may have.

The application process can be complex depending on the recommended works and for that reason whilst you can prepare your own grant application we recommend that you seek support.

Hastings Borough Council uses an Adaptations Support Service which is operated by Town and Country Housing Home Improvement and Support Team. They will act as your agent throughout the process and will visit you to:

• Assist in completing the grant application form
• Prepare and draw up the proposed plans and specifications for the adaptations
• Obtain tenders from builders for the required works
• Seek any required Building Regulations approval, Planning or any other permissions
• Liaise with Structural Engineers or other specialists of required
• Supervise the works, ensuring that they are carried out in accordance with the Occupational Therapists recommendations
• Ensure that the adaptation is completed to a good standard
• Ensuring that the contractor puts right any faults that may occur during the defects liability period

Any and all fees incurred by using Town and Country Housing Home Improvement and Support Team are included in the grant.

All contractors carrying out works will be paid directly by Hastings Borough Council (Please note: If you or a family member complete the works Hastings Borough Council will only accept invoices for the materials or services you have bought, no payment will be made for labour costs)

Step 2

Once Hastings Borough Council have visited you in your property and all the relevant information and permissions have been obtained we will send the referral to Town and Country Housing Home Improvement and Support Team. If you have chosen not to use Town and Country Housing Home Improvement and Support Team you will need to employ your own surveyor, gather tenders from reputable builders, oversee all works, submit invoices to the Council for payment

Step 3

If you have chosen to use Town and Country Housing Home Improvement and Support Team they will undertake a more detailed means test if required or you will need to provide proof of any means tested benefits.

Step 4

If technical input is required (usually for adaptations such as Bathrooms, Kitchens or access) a surveyor will arrange to visit to draw up a scheme for the works. The scheme will be sent to you and the Grants Officer for approval

Step 5

Contractors from an approved list are randomly selected and asked to provide costs for the works (determined by a pre priced schedule)

Step 6

Town and Country Housing Home Improvement and Support Team will visit you at your property to complete the final grant application form. This will then be sent to Hastings Borough Council for approval.

Step 7

Once the grant has been approved the surveyor will contact you confirm a proposed start date for the works. Any contribution that may be due needs to be paid at this stage.

Step 8

Before works commence you will be required to pack away any items that you wish to keep safe during the works. Affected flooring areas will be covered with protective sheets whilst the works are carried out and most works can take between one to eight weeks to complete depending on the size of the contract. Stair lifts are often fitted in one day.

Step 9

Once works are complete and the Surveyor is satisfied they will ask you to sign off the works. The Grants officer will contact you when the works are complete to ensure that there are no issues and you are happy with the works, they may wish to do a visit to your property to look at the works.