Council to develop new model for Disabled Facilities Grants

Bridgend County Borough Council is set to bring the Disabled Facilities Grants scheme fully in-house after a report was agreed by Cabinet at a meeting on Tuesday 19 January.

The means-tested grant helps to pay for adaptations to properties to help disabled children and adults live more independently. It can be used for things like installing a stair lift to improve access to another floor, helping to make cooking easier by providing low-level kitchen units or providing an accessible shower.

Adaptations aim to restore dignity, improve safety and make life easier for both disabled people and their carers.

Currently, applicants who are approved for funding choose an agent to arrange the required works from a list provided by the council.

Under the new plans, an internalised service will be piloted and a collaboration agreement will be made with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, which already has an in-house Disabled Facilities Grant service, to provide support until the new model is established.

Councillor Dhanisha Patel, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Future Generations, said: “The new model should speed up the process for residents and sees the council taking back control to oversee applications from start to finish.

“These adaptations help to improve residents’ lives and this will provide them with a better service and a single point of contact. I’m also pleased that we are able to share expertise and knowledge with a neighbouring local authority to help set this new model up.”

Councillor Nicole Burnett, Cabinet Member for Social Services and Early Help, said: “Applicants need these adaptations to help them live independently. These works are a huge part of their recovery process and can also impact on the care packages the council provides.”