Speeding up the Disabled Facilities Grant

June 7, 2021

Disabled residents who need adaptations done to their home could have the work done more quickly, with the council’s cabinet set to discuss a policy amendment to the Disabled Facilities Grant policy.

The grant is available to disabled people who are assessed as in need adaptations done to their home to meet their needs and at the moment, all applications are means tested. This was to ensure the funding went to those most in need, but the system has been criticised as complicated, unfair and out of date.

The council’s cabinet will discuss a policy amendment to the Disabled Facilities Grant Policy removing means test for grants under £6,000 (£6,500 for a curved stairlift) on Tuesday 15 June. This would quicken the application process for eligible applicants.

In addition to this, the report also recommends the ability to consider a discretionary disabled facilities grant, under certain circumstances, including relocation grants, special assistance grants and top-up grants.

Cllr Ian Gilbert, leader of the council, said: “As a council it is important that we assist our disabled residents. We can do this by ensuring they have a home that meets their needs and in turn improving their quality of life.

“By removing the aspect of means test for grants under £6,000, we can provide applicants with a much quicker and more effective application process, enabling the necessary adaptation works to be processed and completed within better time scales and positively change people’s lives for the better.”