What if I have a problem with my drains?
		What if I see a long-term empty property in the neighbourhood?
		What if I see a commercial or residential property that is open to access?
		Can I get a grant to provide disabled facilities in my home?
		What grants are available for homeowners?
		What help does the Council provide for landlords?
		What if I am thinking of letting a house and need to check on legislation?
		What if I am a tenant and my home has defects?
		Where can I can get advice about energy efficiency and insulation?

 

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If you are troubled by a drainage problem you may contact the Council who will advise you.  For enquiries on this matter please call Tel:  01270 537525 or e-mail environmental.health@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk

 

Broadly speaking the following persons or bodies are responsible for drains and sewers:

 

Public or Adopted Sewers (usually to be found in the road) are the responsibility of United Utilities, who may be contacted on Tel:  08456 020406.

 

The private drain leading from a dwelling and serving only that dwelling is the responsibility of the occupier/s of that dwelling, to the point where it meets the sewer.

 

Sewers built before 1937 and serving more than one dwelling are deemed to be public sewers and are the responsibility of United Utilities, who may be contacted on Tel:   08456 020406.

 

Sewers built after 1937 and serving more than one property are deemed to be private sewers and are the shared responsibility of all those who take benefit from them. This shared responsibility ends where the private sewer meets the public sewer.

 

Where persons fail in their responsibility this Council may serve notice to ensure they take necessary action.

 

Please note that the Council no longer offers a drain-clearing service.

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The Council is committed to reducing the numbers of such properties and would be grateful to receive details.  If you see such a property please call Tel:  01270 537417 or e-mail: housing@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk

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The Council has powers to ensure all vacant properties are not open to unauthorised access. If you see such a property please call Tel:   01270 537417 or e-mail: housing@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk

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A Disabled Facilities Grant is available for the adaptation of a property to meet the recommended health needs of a disabled occupant.  If you wish to find out more please contact the Independent Living Access Team in the County Council's Social Services on Tel:  01606 815600.  Alternatively, to apply for an assessment please visit its website: www.cheshire.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/Contact/crewe-nantwich.htm

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Please note that the availability of the following grants is subject to change.

 

These are available to bring an empty property back into use.  An empty property is one  which has been unoccupied and no Council Tax has been paid for 3 months or more.  Up to £1000 is available to carry out approved work and is paid when the property is reoccupied. No grant is available towards work which has already been carried out or started.  If you wish to apply or require more details please e-mail: housing.grants@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk or Tel:  01270 537532.

 

 

These are available for the repair or adaptation of the dwelling.  Applicants should be 60 years old or disabled.  They must also be on a means tested benefit such as income support and have been in occupation for 3 or more years.  The grant will not exceed £5000 in a 3-year period. If you wish to find out more contact Anchor Staying Put on Tel:  01270 537422.

 

 

This is available to persons on certain means tested benefits such as income support.  It is only available where the applicant has occupied the house for 3 years or more and where there are 2 areas of unfitness, such as disrepair and dampness.  Up to £10,000 may be paid.  The grant is placed as a land charge on the property and is repaid to the Council when it is sold or sooner if the applicant prefers.  The amount to be paid back is calculated in one of two ways.  Either as the grant as a proportion of the value of the house at the time of the work and paid back at the same proportion of the value of the house when repaid or the value of the grant plus compound interest from the time of the work until repayment.  Whichever calculation gives the lowest amount repayable will be used.  Tenants may apply if they are responsible for repair of the property.  If you wish to apply or require more details please e-mail:  housing.grants@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk

or Tel: 01270 537532.

 

 

A small grant of up to £150 is available towards the replacement of shared, lead water supply pipes. There is a very limited fund and grants are issued on a first come, first served basis. If you wish to apply or require more details please e-mail housing.grants@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk or Tel:  01270 537532

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WHAT HELP DOES THE COUNCIL PROVIDE FOR LANDLORDS?

 

 

This was launched in November 2004.  Private sector landlords are invited to have their properties inspected and if appropriate, accredited by the Private Sector Housing Team of the Borough Council.  Accredited properties are listed here.

 

 

This Scheme is under development and expected to be in operation during the Spring of 2006.  Under the scheme landlords may offer their property for letting to tenants found to be in need of housing, but not having the required deposit.  The deposit will be loaned to the tenant through Crewe and Nantwich Credit Union.  The scheme aims to offer some advantages to landlords such as fast tracked housing benefits and reduced void periods.

 

 

These are held twice a year to update landlords and provide useful information.  Please see our website for details or Tel:  01270 537417.

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If the house is divided into flats or bedsits or is a shared house and is 3 storeys or more with 5 or more occupants it will need to be licensed and a fee paid to the Council per unit of accommodation.  For details of this and information relating to other properties Tel:   01270 537417.

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The Council has power to enforce the undertaking of necessary repairs or works by the landlord. Please Tel:  01270 537417 for further details.

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The Council, in conjunction with the Cheshire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre, can offer free and impartial advice on ways to save energy and therefore money within your house.  The contact number for the Energy Centre is Tel:  0800 512012.  The Council holds a number of events throughout the year to publicise this initiative.  Look in the Council's and local newspapers for details.