Grants to Underwrite Urgent Works Notices

Eligible Projects

All applications are assessed against our grant priorities.

Under this scheme grants are available to assist local authorities both to:

• Serve Urgent Works Notices under Section 54 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 on owners who allow historic buildings to fall into an unacceptable state of decay; and to
• Carry out the work required themselves if necessary.

Projects must involve Grade I or II* buildings, Grade II buildings within a conservation area or any listed building in London.

This grant scheme is administered by staff in our local offices who can advise you whether your project will be a priority for support. 

Procurement regulations

Public procurement regulations mean that if more than 50% of a project is publicly funded, applicants to this scheme will have to demonstrate they have appointed any professional advisers in a competitive way. You will also have to tender for the building contract. Please see our Procurement Regulations page for detailed guidance. 

How and when to apply

If you want to apply for a grant under this scheme, you will need to complete an application form. Applications can be received throughout the year.

Please see our free, downloadable combined guidance and application form for more detailed information: 

Guidance on enforcement action

In conjunction with the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, under our former name English Heritage we published updated guidance on enforcement action to help local authorities make effective use of these powers. Stopping the Rot: A Guide to Enforcement Action to Save Historic Buildings provides step-by-step advice on the use of the main procedures and includes case studies and a selection of specimen letters, notices, schedules and agreements.