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Government to provide £42m for home accessibility upgrades
Councils in England will be given £42m in grant funding to hand out to older and disabled people to make their homes safer and more accessible.
The money is available to residents in all types of housing, including social tenants and owner-occupiers.
It is a boost to the £431m Disabled Facilities Grant, announced at the Autumn Budget in November last year.
Local authorities will be able to adapt older and disabled people’s homes to help them live independently.
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Homelessness minister Heather Wheeler said: “The government is committed to helping older and disabled people live independently and safely and this extra funding will ensure more people are getting the help they need.
“Even a small adaptation to a home can make a big difference and help ensure people can stay in their home and do not have to struggle with the stairs or in simply taking a bath or shower.”
Possible adaptations include grab rails, stair lifts and extensions to build downstairs bedrooms or bathrooms, with average grant levels of £6,500.
Birmingham City Council has been allocated the largest share of funding, with £1m.
Manchester City Council, Leeds City Council, Liverpool City Council and Cornwall Council will also receive more than £500,000.
Applicants will be means tested, with an upper grant limit of £30,000.
