Agenda item

Executive Director of People

The Cabinet Member with the Adults Portfolio introduced the report (previously circulated) of the Executive Director of People to advise Members of the capital resources that are available for the Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) during 2025/26 and to seek approval from Members on the release of these resources to be utilised within accordance of the Darlington Borough Council Disabled Facilities Grant and Regulatory Reform Order Policy 2022-2025.

The report explained that the DFGs assist people to live independently by helping to fund suitable adaptations to their properties, there are means testes and are available to owner-occupiers, tenants of private rented properties and Housing Association tenants.

The report detailed that the DFGs are governed by housing legislation and have set conditions for payment, within these regulations. The Council has a shared service agreement in place with Durham County Council to provide Home Improvement Agency Service, this offers guidance, practical assistance to people who are older, disabled, or on low income to claim a DFG so they can repair, improve and adapt their home. It was also stated that support is provided to those until the work has been completed and the contractor had been paid.

RESOLVED - (a) It is noted that the sum of £1,319,439 has been allocated to the Council to use for Disabled Facilities Grant adaptations in 2025-2026, plus a previous additional in year allocation of £159,595 in 2024-25.

(b) The capital funding for 2025-26 and the additional capital funding for 2024-25 is released to enable it to be allocated in accordance with Darlington Borough Council Disabled Facilities Grant and Regulatory Reform Order Policy 2022-2025.

REASON  - The recommendations are supported by the following reason: to enable the adaptations for those individuals who are eligible to receive a DFG for 2025-26 to proceed.