Garden Maintenance Scheme
If you’re struggling or unable to manage your garden, we may be able to help through our Garden Maintenance Scheme.
To join the Garden Maintenance Scheme, you must meet the following criteria:
- You hold a current tenancy with Derby City Council or Derby Homes,
- You are in receipt of Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or legacy Disability Living Allowance
- You do not have an able-bodied person of working age living with you (someone who is over 18 but has not reached the state pension age)
Changes your tenancy conditions
If you join the scheme, your tenancy conditions will change to show that Derby Homes accepts the responsibility for garden maintenance and that you will incur a service charge for the service. Once you’ve joined, you cannot leave the scheme and will remain on it for the duration of your tenancy.
Work included on the scheme
- grass cutting
- border maintenance
- hedge cutting
- rose pruning
- weed killing
Frequency of visits
We aim to visit every three weeks between April and October to carry out the work. Hedge cutting work may take place outside of this period.
Costs and payment
The cost for the service is currently £5.98 per week (as of April 2022) and will be added to your rent. The charge is increased annually at a level decided by Derby City Council.
Housing benefit
The charge is currently eligible to be covered by housing benefit, however this cannot be guaranteed indefinitely. You would become responsible for paying if the service charge was no longer eligible or if your eligibility for housing benefit ended.
Universal Credit
This service charge is not eligible to be covered by Universal Credit. You would need to pay for the service yourself if you are already receiving Universal Credit or if you switch from housing benefit to Universal Credit.
How to apply
If you would like to considered for the scheme, you will need to contact us. Due to the popularity of the scheme, you may be placed on a waiting list. We’ll let you know as soon as you’re accepted.