CHANGES to Welwyn Hatfield Council's housing policy mean they will be able to provide greater assistance to homes in need of repair and help the elderly to become more energy efficient.

Reforms to the council's Housing Grants Policy were announced this week following recommendations from the Private Sector House Condition and Energy Efficiency Survey.

They want to see the council widen the scope of renovation grants to include unfit properties built before 1940, subject to the statutory financial means test.

The council has also increased eligibility for Home Repair Assistance Grants which should help homeowners aged over 75 to carry out energy efficiency improvements irrespective of their financial means.

Measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation, replacement heating and improving heating systems, will all be freely available to elderly owner-occupiers.

The changes, which will take effect from January 1, 2002, are intended to increase the help that the council can provide to repairing and improving houses in really bad condition.

Councillor Lyn Chesterman, chair of the housing committee, said: "Our housing survey has shown us where we need to take action to protect the privately-owned housing stock of Welwyn Hatfield.

"The changes to the housing grant policy are a first step and will help us improve the small amount of very bad housing in the district.

"Making help with energy efficiency improvements available to all the over-75s will make sure this vital area is not denied to those who fall just outside benefit."