Issue - meetings

This report seeks to gain approval for a new policy for the implementation of disabled facility grants (DFG) and expenditure of the Better Care Fund on aids and adaptations for disabled residents.

The proposed policy would bring closer alignment to other authorities, many of whom had now taken into account newly released government guidance.  The key differences between the proposed and existing policies (which had already been reviewed by the Community Wellbeing and Housing Committee) were highlighted.

The funding arrangements, including the handling of over and underspends, was discussed.

The committee agreed the Disabled facility Grant (DFG) and Better Care Funding Policy for disabled residents.

Report to follow.

The Committee considered a report that sought a recommendation from the Community Wellbeing & Housing Committee to Corporate Policy & Resources Committee to approve the Disabled Facility Grant and Better Care Funding Policy for disabled residents.

The Committee were advised that under the existing Disabled Facility Grant the Council means test all applications with the exception of those submitted  for meeting the needs of disabled children and those where the applicant is in receipt of qualifying benefits. The revised Disabled Facility Grant will, in line with other neighbouring authorities, remove the requirement to means test applicants if they are applying for funding to instal stairlifts and level access showers

The Committee resolved to recommend to the Corporate Policy & Resources Committee that the Disabled Facility Grant and Better Funding Policy for disabled residents be approved. This was subject to paragraphs 1.9 and 1.10 being removed from the report as this issue was to be brought back to the committee at a later date.