Agenda item

The Executive RESOLVED that

(i)            the Housing Services Manger be authorised to provide a discretionary top up to a Disabled Facilities Grant to enable the adaption of a disabled resident’s home up to the value of £15,000; and

(ii)          a review of the Home Assistance Policy be undertaken.

The Executive was reminded that the Council provided Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) to disabled residents to provide essential adaptations to their homes. The maximum DFG award was set at £30,000, although local authorities could, with a Policy in place, add additional discretionary funding.

The Council had a Home Assistance Policy that allowed the Housing Services Manger discretion to award additional funding where there were no other avenues of funding available, which was capped at £15,000. It was reported that the Council’s Home Improvement Agency had a case where a full DFG had been awarded along with the discretionary £15,000 and a top up from Social services; however, the cost of the works was still not covered by up to £15,000. Members were therefore asked to consider a discretionary top up to the DFG.

It was agreed that, although this was the first time it had not been possible to secure alternative funding where the Council’s contribution has not been sufficient, it had highlighted an area of possible future concern and it was therefore agreed that the Home Assistance Policy be reviewed.

RESOLVED that

(i)        the Housing Services Manger be authorised to provide a discretionary top up to a Disabled Facilities Grant to enable the adaption of a disabled resident’s home up to the value of £15,000; and

(ii)      a review of the Home Assistance Policy be undertaken.