Disabled Facilities Grants

In 2004 the Government commissioned Bristol University to review its Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) programme. Bristol University’s report was published on 31 October 2005 and made a number of recommendations for changing the system.

In January 2007 the Government finally published its response to this.
The Government response has been generally positive to the recommendations to the Bristol University Review.

The Government made 27 recommendations. Some of the main ones are:

In the Government’s response there is little mention of high priority cases or fast tracking. We feel that clear guidance needs to be given to statutory services on this and that this should include people with rapidly progressive and terminal conditions.
As it currently stands, means testing is seen to be unfair as it is based on income. This will change to make it based on expenses incurred by the patient for their disability.
It is proposed to raise the maximum claim that can be made from £25,000 to £50,000.
To widen the range of purposes for which DFGs can be provided, particularly around gardens.
There will be closer working between the 6 different funding providers of DFGs.
The name of DFGs will be changed to Accessible Homes Grants to reflect the wider scope what the grants will cover

The Government has asked interested parties to respond to the new proposals which we have done. From April to July the Government will look at the responses and respond.

View our response here

View the Government's response to the Bristol University Review here

For Further information

Please contact the Public Affairs Team on 01604 611842.