Who can get assistance?

Repairs Assistance Scheme (RAS) is available to the elderly (60yrs+), those with children under 16 living in the household and those sufering from long term illness or disability. In addition all applicants must have received an income-related benefit to qualify for assistance, for example, Income Support, Guaranted Credit Element of Pension Credit or Working Family Tax Credit etc.

What type of work can I get assistance with?

Repairs Assistance Scheme is intended for repair works (not maintenance) up to a cost of £6000.

Minor items of disrepair may be catered to by the handyperson service. This service is run by the Harrogate & District Home Improvement Agency (tel. 01423 503838)

The sort of works covered by the scheme is as follows (this is not an exhaustive list):

• Roof repairs - works to make a roof weather-proof; for example, broken/missing slates/tiles, defective leadwork, chimney repairs, and repairs to fascia boards, gutters and downpipes
• Wall repairs - works to remedy dampness caused by water penetration and rising damp
• Window and door repairs
• Rewiring where the existing system is unsafe
• Timber treatment