Today the BBC have highlighted that just after announcing the Disability Action Plan, the government still haven't acted to increase financial support through the Disabled Facilities Grant.
The grant scheme was put in place to enable disabled people to make changes to their homes, so they can fully access and utilise all essential facilities and live safely and independently.
With adaptions including widening doors and installing ramps, to installing wet rooms or providing suitable heating systems.
Claiming capped
The maximum amount someone is entitled to claim is capped at £30,000 in England (£36,000 in Wales, £25,000 in Northern Ireland) with Scotland running a different process. The figures have been capped since 2008.
Now being over 15 years old, that amount in real terms is worth a third less and is often no longer fit for purpose for major building works.
Helping our community
Mirroring our own research and experience, the 2019-20 English Housing Survey recorded how the number of households lacking all of the adaptations they need had increased from 45% in 2014/15 to 53% in 2019/20, with one million households now reporting that they did not have all the adaptations they need.
This has been reflected in the number of calls about housing adaptations received to our helpline, along with general concerns over the cost of living and how this has impacted our community.
In December 2023 just under 700 people responded to our community survey about living with a muscle wasting or weakening condition. More than one third of respondents told us that their top concern was living in safe and accessible accommodation.
Rob Burley, our Director of Campaigns, Care and Support said: “It’s extremely disappointing that the Government still haven’t acted on their commitment to increase financial support for vital home adaptations. We know this is a key issue for those living with a muscle wasting and weakening condition. We’ll continue to work to ensure everyone in our community is able to live in a safe and accessible home.
“We’re calling on the Government to honour its commitment to increase the amount of money that disabled people can claim to adapt their homes and ensure that this is in line with inflation.”
- Find out more about our grants and the support we can provide
- Call our free helpline (open Mon – Thur 10am – 2pm) on 0800 652 6352
- Learn more about our peer-to-peer support and talk to someone