Are There Any Government Grants for Asbestos Removal in Hampshire?

Asbestos was a popular insulating material used in buildings until the 1990s when it was discovered that it causes severe health hazards. The use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, but many buildings still contain the hazardous material. As a result, asbestos removal has become a major concern for residents and building owners in Hampshire, especially with the increased awareness of the health hazards associated with asbestos exposure.

As a leading asbestos removal company in Hampshire, Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire is committed to providing safe and affordable asbestos removal services for residential and commercial properties. The cost of asbestos removal is often a major concern for our clients. However, there are various schemes and grants available that can help to reduce the financial burden of asbestos removal.

In this guide, we will explore the various government grants available for asbestos removal in Hampshire, the eligibility requirements, and how to apply for these grants.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction for its fire-resistant, insulating, and strengthening properties. It was commonly used in flooring, roofing, insulation, pipe work, and sprayed coatings. When asbestos is damaged or disturbed, it releases tiny fibers that can be inhaled, leading to serious health issues. These fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos exposure is responsible for over 5,000 deaths in the UK each year, making it a significant public health concern.

Asbestos Removal

Asbestos removal is the process of removing or encapsulating asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) from buildings. The process involves surveying the building to identify any ACMs, assessing the risk, and then removing or encapsulating the ACMs accordingly. Asbestos removal should only be carried out by trained and licensed professionals to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

Are there any grants for Asbestos Removal in Hampshire?

Yes, there are a number of government grants available to help with the cost of asbestos removal in Hampshire. These grants and schemes are aimed at assisting home owners, landlords, and commercial building owners in dealing with asbestos-related issues.

The Local Authority Assistance Scheme

The Local Authority Assistance Scheme is a discretionary scheme provided by the Hampshire County Council. The scheme is aimed at providing financial assistance to eligible homeowners to repair or make their homes safe and secure. The scheme provides financial assistance in the form of a loan or a grant, depending on the circumstances of the applicant.

Eligibility requirements for the scheme include:

• The applicant must be the owner or occupier of a property in Hampshire that requires repairs or improvements, including those related to asbestos removal.
• The applicant must have a household income of less than 40,000 per year.
• The applicant must be unable to pay for the necessary repairs or improvements themselves or through a commercial lender.

For more information on the Local Authority Assistance Scheme, visit the Hampshire County Council website.

The Private Sector Housing Assistance Grant

The Private Sector Housing Assistance Grant is a grant provided by the Hampshire County Council for eligible homeowners to carry out essential repairs and improvements to their homes, including those related to asbestos removal. The grant provides up to a maximum of 5,000 to eligible homeowners to cover the cost of repairs and improvements.

Eligibility requirements for the grant include:

• The applicant must be the owner-occupier of a property in Hampshire that requires essential repairs or improvements, including those related to asbestos removal.
• The applicant must have a household income of less than 30,000 per year.
• The property must be at least 10 years old.

For more information on the Private Sector Housing Assistance Grant, visit the Hampshire County Council website.

The Homes and Communities Agency

The Homes and Communities Agency is an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the UK Governments Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government. The agency provides various grant schemes to assist with the regeneration of communities and housing development throughout the UK.

One such grant scheme is the Home Repairs Assistance Grant. The scheme provides financial assistance in the form of a loan or grant to eligible homeowners to carry out essential repairs, improvements, or adaptations to their homes, including those related to asbestos removal. The maximum amount of grant available is 5,000.

Eligibility requirements for the scheme include:

• The applicant must be a homeowner over the age of 18.
• The property must be the applicants main residence.
• The applicant must have a household income of less than 30,000 per year.

For more information on the Home Repairs Assistance Grant, visit the Homes and Communities Agency website.

Commercial Property

In addition to grants for residential properties, there are also grants available for commercial properties. The Business Premises Renovation Allowance (BPRA) is a tax incentive intended to encourage the renovation of commercial and industrial buildings in designated areas. The scheme provides tax relief on the cost of renovating or repairing a commercial property, including the removal of asbestos-containing materials.

Eligibility requirements for the BPRA include:

• The building must be located in a designated area.
• The renovation or repair work must be carried out within a specified period.
• The property must have been vacant for at least one year before the renovation work commences.

For more information on the BPRA, visit the HM Revenue and Customs website.

Conclusion

Asbestos removal can be expensive, but there are various grants and schemes available in Hampshire to help reduce the financial burden. It is essential to carefully consider the eligibility criteria and application process for each grant to ensure that you are applying for the most suitable option for your needs. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, we are committed to providing safe and affordable asbestos removal services for residential and commercial properties in Hampshire and the South East of England. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or at [email protected] to discuss your asbestos removal requirements.

References

1. Hampshire County Council. (n.d.). The Local Authority Assistance Scheme. Retrieved from https://www.hants.gov.uk/housing/findingahome/homelessprevention/tenantdepositloan

2. Homes and Communities Agency. (n.d.). Grants and loans for homeowners. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/grants-and-loans-for-homeowners

3. HM Revenue and Customs. (n.d.). Business Premises Renovation Allowance. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/business-premises-renovation-allowance

4. National Cancer Institute. (2019). Asbestos exposure and cancer risk. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet

5. Health and Safety Executive. (2020). Asbestos. Retrieved from https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/index.htm