Homeowner Financial Assistance, Advice and Support

Helping Hand Scheme

One of the aims of Stockton Council is to help homeowners to improve the warmth, comfort, safety and security of their homes.

Through the Helping Hand scheme, we offer advice and practical support to all homeowners, as well as the possibility of financial help.

It does not matter about your age, income or where you live, we may be able to help you to:

Identify what is wrong with your home, and what is needed to put it right
Understand how to carry out home maintenance, preventative and improvement works or access the local 'Handy Person' Service where this exists and you are eligible for help
Work out what the work may cost if a contractor is required, and to investigate the options for funding the work. This may include help to consider charitable or family funding, use of insurance cover, or how an independent Financial Advisor may be able to help
Choose a suitable contractor to get fair estimates for the work, and to manage the contractor while works are being carried out
Decide whether staying put or moving home offers the better solution for your needs

Financial Help

If you are struggling to afford to keep your home safe and comfortable to live in, an affordable loan may be available too. The loan could be used to;

Make essential repairs
Provide a new kitchen or bathroom
Install double glazing
Renew the electrical wiring
Provide a new and efficient heating system

Helping Hand can provide you with a loan that can be paid back in affordable instalments over many years, or a loan that is paid back when you choose to sell your home or it is inherited by a member of your family. It may even be interest-free depending on your circumstances.

If you are a home owner aged 18 years or over, have owned and lived in your home for the past 12 months and are struggling to finance the repair of your home, please contact us to make an enquiry.

You can download a leaflet below to view the kind of loans available, eligibility criteria, how much can be borrowed and much more. Alternatively, you can contact the Private Sector Housing Division or visit the Helping Hand website.