The Income Support (General) Regulations 1987

Interest on loans for repairs and improvements to the dwelling occupied as the home

8.—(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), there shall be met under this paragraph an amount in respect of interest payable on a loan which is taken out, with or without security, for the purpose of—

(a) carrying out repairs or improvements to the dwelling occupied as the home; or

(b) paying off another loan but only to the extent that interest on that other loan would have been met under this paragraph had the loan not been paid off,

and which is used for that purpose or is to be so used within six months of the date of receipt or such further period as is reasonable, and the amount to be met under this paragraph shall be calculated as if the loan were a loan to which paragraph 7 applied.

(2) Subject to sub-paragraph (4), where the claimant has capital in excess of £500, the excess shall be set against the amount or the aggregate of the amounts borrowed and interest allowed only by reference to any balance.

(3) In this paragraph “repairs and improvements” means major repairs necessary to maintain the fabric of the dwelling occupied as the home and any of the following measures undertaken with a view to improving its fitness for occupation—

(a) installation of a fixed bath, shower, wash basin, sink or lavatory and necessary associated plumbing;

(b) damp proofing measures;

(c) provision or improvement of ventilation and natural lighting;

(d) provision of electric lighting and sockets;

(e) provision or improvement of drainage facilities;

(f) improvement in the structural condition of the dwelling occupied as the home;

(g) improvements to the facilities for storing, preparing and cooking food;

(h) provision of heating, including central heating;

(i) provision of storage facilities for fuel and refuse;

(j) improvements to the insulation of the dwelling occupied as the home;

(k) other improvements which are reasonable in the circumstances.

(4) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (2) no account shall be taken of capital which is disregarded by virtue of paragraph 1, 2, 4 to 6, 8(b), 9(a), 10 to 18 or 20 of Schedule 10 (capital to be disregarded).