1. Spending DFG Better
Housing LIN East. May 2016

2. Who are Foundations?
The National Body for Home Improvement Agencies and Handyperson services since 2000.
Lead on improvement of DFG practice and delivery.
Appointed by the DCLG.

3. Events & Training

4. Tools & Resources

5. Representation & PR

6. Insight & Analytics

7. HIA Case Manager

8. QualityMark & TrustMark

9. The Collaborative HIA Our new vision for the sector
Recognising that people need a range of interconnected services to remain independent – NOT silos
May be a range of organisations delivering services, or maybe one integrated provider
Person centred and Outcome focussed are what matters
Requires Foundations to work differently too

10. Disabled Facilities Grant

11. D F G DISABLED Condition that limits senses, movements or activities
FACILITIES
Features that allow you to do something
GRANT
Give Money
Mandatory

12. Examples of DFG Funded Adaptations

13. Disabled Facilities Grant
Established in 1990 as a ‘housing’ grant.
‘Mandatory’ if:
‘Necessary and Appropriate’; and
‘Reasonable and Practicable’
Any tenure.
Means tested.
Majority delivered by HIAs.

14. Typical DFG Process Person contacts Social Services
Occupational Therapist makes assessment
Home Improvement Agency helps with application
Local Authority approves Grant
Contractor carries out works

15. DFG Funding NOW 1990 - 2014 District Council County Council
(Better Care Fund)

16. Extra Funding Freedom of Information request found:
Home adaptations delay a move into residential care by 4 years
Central Government funding for DFG more than doubled
£550m by 2019/20
Challenge to spend it better
New report on history of DFG and future directio

17. Funding v Regulation
“From the scope for use of DFG funding will be widened ... to support any local authority expenditure incurred under the Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) (England and Wales) Order 2002 (RRO). This will enable authorities to use specific DFG funding for wider purposes, which may be more appropriate for individuals than current DFG arrangements allow. Creating greater flexibility will allow the DFG to be used for associated purposes, such as moving home, where this is a more appropriate solution, or funding could be pooled to purchase portable extensions which are suitable for re-use, through improved procurement models.”

18. Examples of using the RRO
Removing or amending the means test
Pooled budget for ramps (landscape modification)
Funding adaptations over £30k
Help and support to move
Assistive Technology
Support for Carers?
Any local examples?

19. Dementia-friendly environments
Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia 2020.
Use of DFG funding to make homes dementia friendly.
Good lighting, pictorial signage, open cupboards, familiar designs, etc..

20. Cold Room,

21. Paul Smith Director
T:       M:    E
Website: 
The Old Co-op Building, 11 Railway Street, Glossop, Derbyshire, SK13 7AG