Council’s Home Improvement scheme beats tight public funds!
Eastleigh resident discovers the benefits of the Home Trust Loan
An elderly Eastleigh resident has received some much-needed improvements to her home thanks to a Home Improvement Scheme that is run by South Coast Moneyline in partnership with Eastleigh Borough Council. Mrs Skilton, aged 78, from Swaythling approached the council for help to fix the damaged roof of her home. Although, like many councils, Eastleigh no longer offers grants for home improvements, they were able to provide advice and financial assistance in the form of a safe and affordable home loan. “I was dubious at first,” explained Mrs Skilton. “You hear lots of things about heavy-handed loan companies and I feared I wouldn’t be able to afford the monthly repayments. But as it was recommended by the council, I decided to find out more and I was really surprised to learn how affordable it was.” The Home Trust Loan is provided by not-for-profit lender South Coast Moneyline, in partnership with 15 local authorities across the South. Home Trust Loan Manager, Nick Webb, explains: “Due to reductions in funding, many local authorities are looking for a financially sustainable scheme where they can still afford to offer financial assistance to residents. South Coast Moneyline is now meeting this need by providing recyclable loan funds through the Home Trust Loan scheme. And the beauty of this scheme is that as it grows, the scheme will generate enough income to cover the costs of delivery and the loan capital will be re-used to benefit other residents in Eastleigh.” Eastleigh Borough Council’s Cabinet Lead for Housing and Customer Services Cllr Anne Winstanley, commented: “I am pleased that we were able to help Mrs Skilton improve her home with advice and a safe and affordable home loan. I would encourage other people to discover how they could benefit from a Home Trust Loan.” Thanks to the Home Trust Loan, Mrs Skilton was able to have her roof fixed and only pays back the interest accrued each month. The loan capital is paid back whenever her house is sold. “I’ve no plans to move,” says Mrs Skilton, “so that suits me down to the ground.” For more information about the Home Trust Loan, contact Eastleigh Borough Council on 023 8068 8329 or visit www.hometrustloan.org.uk -Ends- Word Count: 367
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