Decoration Allowance Policy - Section 13
13. Using Decoration Allowances
13.1 Vouchers will be valid for only 60days. However, a tenant may be given an extension to this timescale where their situation warrants this, for example, following a family bereavement or prolonged illness. An extension may be given at the discretion of the Area Housing Manager.
13.2 Decoration vouchers can be used in any of the retailers that have reached a mutual agreement with the Moray Council. An up-to-date list of retailers will be provided when the vouchers are issued.
13.3 Where the cost of the tenant's chosen materials exceeds the amount of their decoration allowance, he/she will be expected to make up the difference. No credit notes will be given where a tenant fails to use the full monetary value of the voucher(s). Vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash.
13.4 Vouchers can be used to buy:
- wallpaper and paste;
- paints, varnishes and woodcare products;
- sandpaper, fillers, sealants and masking tape;
- paste table;
- paint stripper, turpentine and thinners;
- ceramic wall tiles, tile cement and grout;
- other non-powered decorating equipment, for example paint brushes and rollers.
13.5 Vouchers cannot be used to buy:
- ladders;
- electrical fittings;
- bathroom cabinets;
- floor coverings, including ceramic tiles;
- mirrors;
- powered tools or electrical equipment such as drills, sanders or strippers;
- any other product not used for decorating.
13.6 Decoration vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash.
13.7 The Council will only reimburse retailers when their invoice is accompanied by 'spent' vouchers.
13.8 The Area Housing Officer, at their discretion, may wish to inspect the property to confirm that the decoration and/or flooring allowance has been spent appropriately. The inspection may coincide with the tenant's settling-in visit.
13.9 If, at such an inspection, the decoration of the property is unchanged or the tenant is unable to demonstrate that they have purchased decoration materials, either through the presence of the materials themselves or the receipts for the materials, the Area Housing Officer may, with the authority of their Area Housing Manager, recharge the tenant for some or all of the value of the decoration and/or flooring allowance.