Disabled Facilities Grant Increases
Hastings Borough Council has announced receipt of increased funding for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) that may enable residents to stay in their own homes rather than needing to move to a care home.
DFGs are mean-tested but may rise up to £30,000 per household – whether homeowners or tenants – to cover adaptations like level access showers, wet rooms, kitchen alterations, stair lifts, external access ramps, door widening and electronic door entry systems. Initial assessments are made by the social care team at East Sussex County Council, but appropriate cases are referred to Hastings Borough Council, who will arrange for options to be explored in detail with an occupational therapist. A total of £2.2m is available for the 2024-25 financial year, a rise of £0.3m from the previous year’s expenditure.
Glenn Haffenden, lead councillor for Housing and Community Wellbeing, said last week: “The funding we receive for DFGs can only be spent on making it easier for residents to live in their own homes, so we want to make sure that people know about the grants. If you, a family member or friend, are struggling to stay in your home and adaptations could help, please visit the website or call the team to find out more and start the process”.
See hastings.gov.uk/dfg or phone 01424 251031 for more detail of how to apply and who is eligible.
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