Are There Grants or Funding Available for Roof Repairs in Manchester?
Exploring Financial Assistance Options for Homeowners
When your roof needs urgent repairs, the cost can often come as a shock. Fortunately, if you’re a homeowner in Manchester, there may be financial assistance options available to help cover the costs. Whether you’re dealing with a leaking roof, storm damage, or general wear and tear, it’s worth exploring both local and national support that could ease the financial burden. This guide outlines the most relevant funding options, eligibility criteria, and expert advice for navigating them.
Why Roof Repairs Matter
Your roof plays a vital role in protecting your home from water damage, energy loss, and structural issues. Neglecting roof repairs can lead to escalating problems and higher costs down the line. Yet for many households—particularly those on low incomes, elderly residents, or people with disabilities—the upfront cost of roof repairs can be a significant obstacle.
Local Authority Grants in Manchester
Discretionary Housing Assistance Grants
Manchester City Council may offer Discretionary Housing Assistance Grants to eligible homeowners. These are often targeted at:
- Older or disabled residents needing safe living conditions
- Low-income households unable to afford essential repairs
- Homes where disrepair poses a risk to health and safety
What the grant may cover:
- Urgent roof repairs or replacements
- Structural damage related to weather or age
- Water ingress, damp and mould caused by roof failure
Eligibility:
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Must own and live in the property
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Be on a low income or receiving certain benefits
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Property condition must pose a risk to health or safety
How to apply:
You’ll likely need a Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) assessment and must provide financial documentation. Grants are discretionary, meaning availability and conditions may change.
📞 Tip: Contact Manchester City Council’s Housing Services on 0161 234 5000 or visit manchester.gov.uk for up-to-date information.
Home Repair Assistance Grant
Some local authorities, including Manchester, offer this small-scale grant to cover urgent home repairs such as leaking roofs or unsafe structures.
Eligibility may include:
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Aged 60 or over
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On a low income or receiving benefits (e.g. Pension Credit, Universal Credit)
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Homeownership status
Grants are limited and subject to funding availability. An assessment is usually required.
National Government and Energy Schemes
Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
Previously known as ECO+, this government-backed scheme focuses on insulation improvements but may be relevant if roof insulation is required as part of the repair.
May help if:
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Your home has poor energy efficiency (EPC rating D–G)
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You are on a low income or in a vulnerable group
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You’re a homeowner or private tenant
Types of insulation covered:
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Loft insulation
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Cavity wall insulation
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Solid wall insulation (in some cases)
This could complement roof repair efforts and reduce long-term energy costs.
Energy Company Obligation (ECO4)
While focused on heating and insulation, ECO4 may fund essential roof work where it relates to energy loss or housing safety.
Eligibility criteria:
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Receiving qualifying benefits (e.g. Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit)
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Living in a property with low energy efficiency
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Owner-occupiers or private tenants with permission
Apply via approved energy suppliers or installers.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
Although not for physical repairs, this £150 energy bill rebate helps reduce winter heating costs. Freeing up this money can help you afford urgent roof maintenance.
Eligibility:
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Pensioners on the Guarantee Credit
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Low-income households meeting supplier criteria
Contact your energy provider for details or visit:
🔗 GOV.UK
Support for Disabled or Vulnerable Individuals
Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)
While mainly intended for adaptations (e.g. ramps, stairlifts), DFG can sometimes support work that ensures a safe living environment for disabled residents—including roof repairs if the issue impacts accessibility, safety, or health.
Eligibility:
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You or someone in your home is disabled
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The work supports independent living
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You own or are a long-term tenant of the property
The grant is means-tested for adults but not for children. You apply via your local council.
Charitable and Community-Based Support
Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs)
Local organisations such as Manchester Care & Repair work with vulnerable homeowners to ensure their homes remain safe and liveable. They offer:
- Help applying for grants or low-cost loans
- Trusted tradesperson referrals
- Practical support throughout repair projects
These services are particularly valuable for older people, disabled individuals, and those living on a fixed income.
Visit: careandrepair-manchester.org.uk
Affordable Loan Options
If you’re not eligible for a grant, consider contacting:
- Manchester Credit Union – community-focused lending with ethical terms
- Lendology CIC – works with councils to provide low-interest loans for home repairs
- Moneyline – offers small, manageable loans for low-income families
These options may help spread the cost of urgent roof repairs without turning to high-interest borrowing.
Advice from a Local Expert
We consulted Fergus Park, Managing Director of Lords Roofing, a trusted Manchester roofing company with over two decades of experience in domestic roof repairs.
Many homeowners don’t realise they could be eligible for help. Whether it’s through the council, energy schemes, or even community loans, there are often more options than people think. We always encourage our clients to explore funding avenues before paying out-of-pocket.
Lords Roofing also works with customers to break down costs into stages or to provide quotes suitable for grant applications.
What You Can Do Today
Call Manchester City Council and ask about discretionary grants
Check eligibility for ECO4 and the Warm Home Discount Scheme
Contact Manchester Care & Repair for tailored support
Request a roof inspection and written quote to support applications
Explore low-cost loan options if grants aren’t available
Eligibility Summary: Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for most home repair grants or schemes, you generally need to meet at least one of the following:
✅ Own and occupy the property as your main residence
✅ Be aged 60 or over
✅ Receive means-tested benefits (e.g. Universal Credit, Pension Credit, ESA)
✅ Have a disability or live with someone who does
✅ Live in a property with low energy efficiency
✅ Be considered vulnerable due to health or income
Applications usually require documentation such as income statements, benefit letters, or property assessments.
Lords Roofing’s Role
While Lords Roofing does not administer government grants or funding schemes, we play a crucial role in the process. We can provide the necessary professional roof inspections and detailed, accurate quotations that are typically required as part of any grant or funding application. Our experience in assessing roof conditions and providing clear breakdowns of costs can be invaluable when you are seeking financial assistance.