Decision details

The Cabinet Member with the Adults Portfolio introduced the report of the Group Director of People (previously circulated) advising Members of the capital resources available for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG’s) during 2023/24 and requesting that consideration be given to the release of those resources, to be utilised in accordance with this Council’s Disabled Facilities Grant and Regulatory Reform Order Policy 2022/25.

The submitted report stated that DFG’s assisted people to live independently by helping to fund suitable adaptations to their properties; the grants were means tested and were available to owner-occupiers, tenants of private rented properties and Housing Association tenants; and DFG’s were governed by housing legislation and had set conditions for payment, within those regulations.

It was reported that Durham County Council Home Improvement Agency service had been commissioned to provide support to individuals applying for a DFG and that the service included the completion of grant applications; seeking quotes for necessary works; selection of a suitable contractor; oversight of the works up to completion and payment of the grant; and to source charitable funding where the client was required to make a contribution to the costs of the work but was unable to do so.

RESOLVED – (a)  That the allocation of £1,063,345, as detailed in the submitted report, to the Council to use for Disabled Facilities Grant adaptations in 2023/24, be noted.

(b)  That the capital funding to enable the funding to be allocated in accordance with this Council’s Disabled Facilities Grant and Regulatory Reform Order Policy 2022/25, be released.

REASON – To enable the adaptations for those individuals who are eligible to receive a DFT for 2022/23 to proceed.