Council could start to offer home repair loans

A local authority is set to offer "affordable" home improvement loans to residents, to help them make essential repairs and changes.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council said the loans could be used to help bring empty properties back into use and for essential adaptations for people with disabilities.

Leaders are due to decide on the plans later this month.

Bosses are expected to consider appointing a regulated provider to offer residents financial assessments and independent advice on the loans.

They said the council would keep full control over budgets, types of loan and the overall policy.

The new provider would oversee financial checks and monitoring and protect borrowers from unaffordable loans.

"We want to offer the highest standards as well as best value for money," said councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance.

"Via the loans, we can support residents to help improve their homes, cut fuel poverty and prevent health issues which we know are linked to poor quality housing."

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.