By The maximum grant available for vulnerable people has increased from £30,000 to £50,000.
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils offer grants and loans to assist vulnerable people adapt their homes to better suit their needs.
Whilst these services have been around for quite some time, the councils have today released information that they believe will make it easier for people with disabilities and vulnerable people to receive housing assistance grants and loans.
The new Housing Assistance Grants and Loans policy introduced by the councils has extended what’s on offer to those in need.
Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Vale of White Horse District Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Environment, said:
“The new policy can help towards home improvements, even small ones, which may mean people avoid the misery of a health crisis and the subsequent increased dependency on families, carers and services. This policy should make life easier, safer and more comfortable and more independent for our most vulnerable residents.”
The maximum grant available has increased by more than 65% – from £30,000 to £50,000.
In addition, there is also now a grant available for people living with dementia.
To make the process of applying more consumer friendly, new technology has been introduced, which aims to improve the service and reduce the waiting times for work to be carried out.
Councillor David Rouane, South Oxfordshire District Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Environment, said:
“The adaptations which these grants will enable are becoming increasingly important as the population ages. Changes to people’s homes can restore dignity and independence, improve safety and make life easier both for vulnerable people themselves and for their carers.”
The council have said that their new policy aims to:
- support more disabled residents to live independently by improving access and movement around their homes
- reduce hospital admissions and enable early hospital discharges
- reduce the need for residential care by allowing people with disabilities to live independently in their own homes
- reduce fuel poverty and the effects of living in cold homes
- support tailored home adaptations for those who need them including those suffering with dementia
To apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant, the first step is to contact an Occupational Therapist to see if someone is eligible. For more information on applying for grants and loans please see our website pages (South) and (Vale)
Photo by Max Bender on Unsplash
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