Communities Minister Baroness Andrews has announced that the budget for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) will increase by £25 million for the 2008-2009 tax year, taking central Government funding up to £146 million.

DFGs allow people with disabilities to live independently in their homes for longer, by funding home adaptations and additions such as door widening, ramps, stairlifts or easy-access showers. The funding is distributed to local authorities, which allocate the money on a case-by-case basis based on advice from an occupational therapist. Currently 35,000 people receive DFG support each year.

The Government also announced some programmes to support Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs) in the following ways:

•    A new three-year contract for a national coordinating body for HIAs, which will support the delivery of the forthcoming national strategy for housing in an ageing society. The body will also provide support to HIAs and provide a voice for the sector in Government.

•    A future HIA project, to be taken forward by Foundations Home Improvement Agency, to help ensure that HIAs are fit for the future. It will ascertain whether they can deliver wider services, such as housing options advice, gardening services and support for people who have been discharged from hospital. Foundations will report to Government next year.

Baroness Andrews praised the changes taking place: ‘We want to ensure that people have the best possible advice on their housing options and to help them live independently for as long as possible. Living longer should mean living well, not more years spent in accommodation unsuitable for those with a chronic illness or disability.’

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