Grant for Re-wiring house for elderly

jamesnan | 11:14 Sun 08th Apr 2012 | ChatterBank

6 Answers

My aunt, who is well over 85, and widowed, lives by herself in her own house, has been told by an electrician, that the house should be re-wired because it has the original wiring, the house was built in 1952.
Are there any type of grants available to which she may be entitled? She receives various benefits as well as her pension.

Co-op open today?

Liz Jones in YOU magazine Mail on Sunday

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mrs_overall

http://www.prudentmin...provement-grants.html

commoner

.............no-one can force you to rewire your house just because it is a certain number of years since being wired....... if the wiring passed the regulations in force in 1952 and is still safe, then fine......I truly hope this electrician is saying this for your Aunt's benefit and not just looking for a job.

Sorry to sound cynical but there are people around looking for easy money and targeting the elderly ...........my apologies if I have this all wrong.

The Builder

That's a good link from Mrs Overage. Commoner's point is a good one, and sadly true in some cases. If there is any chance of a grant for this, I would grab it now. 60 year old wiring is quite likely to be rubber or lead covered.
Wiring shouldn't be condemned solely on the basis of age......... but, in this case, I would say it's a good idea to play safe, and replace it.
Perhaps the electrician did some basic insulation and earthing tests. We don't know. Either way, try for a grant first.

mrs_overall

Just to add that now is the perfect time to apply for a grant as it is the start of the financial year and local councils are awash with money. If you leave it towards the back end of the year, the council will be a lot more picky about who they award grants to.
Thanks for the compliment, The Bludger. You know I am right cos I am female

jamesnan

Question Author

She had an electrical problem and called a very nice genuine electrician, who fixed it for her, at a very low cost. He was advising her that it was a very old system, and it would be safer for her to get it re-wired. I will pass on the information, and try to get some help for her.

commoner

Glad to hear that Jamesnan....can't be too careful these days...that is if you believe all you hear and see on our beloved "media" ...?.

If it really isn't safe then grant or no grant she should go for it...:-)

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