A boost of an extra £200,000 in further support for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) for Rushcliffe residents is set to be discussed, with a view to approval by the Council’s Cabinet in early December.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s (RBC) Corporate Overview Group will discuss the possible extra support at its meeting on November 19, which could enable more people with disabilities to benefit from home adaptations that promote independence and safety, including greater mobility to move around their homes and carry out everyday tasks.
The grants are available for a variety of home adaptations, including installing ramps, handrails, and widening doors; fitting stair lifts or floor lifts; level access showers; improving access to gardens; or building extensions such as downstairs bedrooms or bathrooms.
The proposed new funding has been made available from efficiencies elsewhere in the Council’s budget, identified as part of the authority’s 2024/25 financial quarter two position.
It follows a discussion on DFGs at a recent Communities and Growth Scrutiny Group meeting, which agreed to increase the supply of accessible and adapted homes, including wheelchair-user dwellings, and to advocate for increased funding from central government.
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance, Transformation, and Governance, Cllr Davinder Virdi, said: “We’re pleased the Council can offer this extra amount to the DFG budget from our own effective financial management and efficiencies.
“These funds could make a significant difference to some of our residents’ lives who may suffer from mobility or other issues. We know how vital it is to support as many people as possible with this help so they can move freely and easily around their homes.
“Even with this additional allocation, the Council is aware of the rising demand and costs of disabled facilities schemes, which means that fundamental change to the funding of DFGs via central government is required.
“Like many Councils, we continue to lobby central government hard on this matter to change the formula to enable us to access enhanced funding, as the current system is not sustainable, affordable, or prudent.”
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