The Scheme of Assistance has been operating for a number of years and helps property owners carry out necessary works to their properties.

The latest change to the initiative include increasing the maximum level of eligible works costs from £20,000 to £30,000 where properties are below tolerable standard or are in serious disrepair and also further encouraging owners in blocks of flats to agree to common maintenance by extending eligibility for a contribution of up to £500. The guideline currently requires eight properties or more to exist within the block.

The revamped scheme also removes a grant condition requiring a factoring arrangement to be in place for blocks of six or more flats, as some owners are self-factoring and attempting to organise essential common works.

Cllr Barry McCulloch said the changes will give owner occupiers the change to access advice and grant funding to carry out repairs.

“For example, providing grant funding to home owners, particularly those in common blocks of flats, will hopefully encourage repairs to be carried out without the need to use other powers such as enforcement, which can often cause lengthy delays,” he said.

“We hope these changes will continue to make a difference to home owners and local communities across North Lanarkshire.”