Improvements to local authority owned and run properties to bring them up to current acceptable living standards. The improvements should include double-glazed windows, replacement kitchens and bathrooms, updated heating systems. All Councils have been set a target of raising the standard of all its properties by the year 2010 by the Government in England and Wales or by 2015 by the Scottish Executive in Scotland .

A new or existing tenant may be eligible for a decoration or disturbance allowance where the council need to carry out major repairs or redecoration work to a property whilst the tenant is still living there.

Ensuring that long-term empty properties are secure and do not pose any risk to the public. In some circumstances the council may compulsorily purchase such properties for renovation or demolition.

The local authority operates an emergency repair service to deal with essential repairs outside of normal working hours where there may be risk to tenants, the public or the environment if the repairs are not carried out immediately or where the property may not be secured.

Local authorities may provide financial assistance (in the form of a mortgage or secured loan) to existing or prospective homeowners to enable them to carry out improvements and repairs on their property.

Home renovation grants may be available to repair or improve privately owned dwellings and to bring empty properties back into use.

The repair assistance grant scheme provides financial assistance towards the cost of materials required to carry out repairs, improvements or adaptations to rented council property.

The Care and Repair project is for elderly or disabled owner/occupiers or private sector tenants who require repairs or improvements to their home. The service excludes decoration, gardening, fencing, slabbing etc. Clients are required to pay the cost of the materials only. A hardship fund will operate to pay for materials in limited cases. If you are unsure whether the small repairs service can assist, please telephone for advice.

The local authority is under a duty to gain access to properties to undertake surveys for number of reasons such as major repairs and to carry out specialist surveys.

For council owned properties which are particularly old the council will implement a modernisation scheme to bring the property up to acceptable standards. This may involve rewiring, new windows, new doors etc.

The council are generally responsible for structural repairs to council property, for repairs to essential supplies (water, gas, electricity etc.) or any repairs where they may be a risk to health or safety. Where the damage has been caused by the resident they may be asked to pay for the repairs.

Provision of a discretionary allowance to tenants where it has not been possible to carry out essential repairs to their home or to communal areas around their home within a reasonable or agreed timeframe.

Where a property requires repair as the result of damage or negligence caused by the tenant the local authority will charge for the cost of work to rectify the problem.

Provision of temporary accommodation to tenants who are being disturbed by major works carried out in their own or neighbouring properties.

A tenant who wishes to carry out improvements and alterations to their local authority property must request permission from the local authority.