Decoration allowance

What is decoration allowance?

This is an allowance that you, as a council tenant, can claim from the council to help you re-decorate your council property.

Who is eligible?

You can apply for a decoration allowance if:

• you are a council tenant moving into a council home
• we carry out major works to your council home, and disturb existing decorations.

Who is not eligible?

Non-secure tenants.

How to apply for a decoration allowance when you have moved into your council home

A housing officer will assess the need for re-decorating when you view your new home. The officer will agree the number of rooms to be decorated with you, and calculate the cost, on a room by room basis.

We will:

• process your application
• send you a cheque for half of this cost, before you start the work.

You need to:

• complete the work within six months of your tenancy start date
• tell your local housing office when you have completed the works, or fill out an on-line form here.

We will then contact you to arrange an appointment. If the decorations are acceptable, we will send you a cheque for the second half of the decoration costs.

What if I am disabled or of pensionable age?

If you do not have any able bodied adults under retirement age living with you, you can opt for a decoration allowance, as above, or to have the rooms decorated by the council

How can I apply for a decoration allowance if I have major repair works?

• To apply for a decoration allowance (if we have disturbed your existing decoration during major works) you must apply in writing to your local housing office
• Once we receive your application we will write back to you within 10 days detailing our decision.

Contact us & further information

For further information on the above, or any other issues you may have concerning your council tenancy, please contact your local housing office.

Pid No: 143