On 7 September 2023, the Government announced an extra £50M home adaptation fund will be provided to local authorities in England so they can make quicker home adaptations for older people or those with disabilities, ensuring they can stay independent.

  • Additional funding to help older and disabled people live more independently in their own homes
  • £50 million to be provided this year to adapt people’s homes
  • Overall, adaptation grants support 50,000 people a year and help people to be discharged from hospital quicker, cutting waiting times.

In order to be able to apply for a grant:

  • Eligibility – Someone living in the house must be
    • (a) disabled
    • (b) intend to live there for the grant period (usually 5 years but can be shorter if, for example, they are terminally ill).
  • Application must be submitted by either
    • (a) owner
    • (b) tenant
    • (c) landlord
  • Council needs to be satisfied the work is
    • (a) necessary and appropriate to meet disabled person’s needs AND
    • (b) reasonable and can be done, depending on age and condition of the property (c) the work should be completed within 12 months of the grant being approved.
  • Planning and Building regulations approval is required separately and the Council may ask applicants to employ a qualified architect to plan and oversee the work.  If you get a grant, you can use it towards the cost of their fees.

posted 13 September 2023