DISABLED FACILITIES GRANTS – AN OVERVIEW CHRIS TREVELYAN PARTNERSHIP MANAGER SOMERSET WEST PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING PARTNERSHIP

Why are we here?

What is the purpose of a Disabled Facilities Grant? Facilitates independent living Grant limit £30,000 Mandatory grant Relevant Person means tested Child applications exempt from the Means Test

Essential elements of the process; Element of flexibility to meet the needs of the client Fairly robust framework in which to provide assistance Government willingness to continue to support DFG’s Strong working relationship between the Local Authority, Occupational Therapists and the Home Improvement Agency

Crucial elements of the service; Places disabled people at the heart of the service Grant is able to provide financial support for adaptations which satisfy an increasing need Should be achieved in the most equitable and flexible way to meet diverse needs System should be affordable and administered in a sensitive and supported way Integrated with other social care packages Needs to be strategically planned both regionally and locally

The process simplified; Disabled person contacts Somerset Direct Occupational Therapist completes a functional needs assessment then draws up a Recommendation which is sent to the LA The Recommendation is allocated to a LA Officer or the Home Improvement Agency based upon priority and date Schedule of works is drawn up and quotes obtained Subject to means test, the grant is approved

The process simplified contd. Works commence Inspection made of the completed works by the Home Improvement Agency or LA Interim and/or final payments made to the contractor Case completed and closed

Full use of the range of services provided by the Home Improvement Agency Handyperson service – hospital discharge Assist Applicants in applying to the LA for assistance Raise charitable funding Identify when Applicants are eligible for certain types of benefits Provide a rapid response to the prevention of accidents and promote early release from hospital The hidden added value!

Utilising the flexible approach to DFG’s Fixed price quotations Recycling of specialist equipment including stair lifts Close working relations with the OT’s and the Home Improvement Agency Transparency of workloads Giving the Applicants the most up to date information and keeping them informed Detailed Recommendations

Utilising the flexible approach to DFG’s contd. Flexible grant policies Links to Choice Based Lettings Working more closely with the local housing providers Simplifying the grant application process Wider use and diversification of existing properties Lifetime homes Use of the “Third Sector”

“Our principle aim is to serve the Client and therefore the Client should be at the centre of the Process”