Our campaign features at Local Government Association (LGA) Conference 2026

Our Unlock the Door campaign and housing adaptations for people with MND were on the agenda at the Local Government Association (LGA) Conference 2026.  

The three-day event brought together UK council leaders, chief executives, senior representatives and frontline local authority staff to debate key policy issues. 

Alongside an MND Association stand at the conference, we hosted a dedicated fringe session which featured an expert panel of Richard Evans, Director of Engagement at the MND Association, and Mark Campbell, who is living with MND, among others.  

It focused on: 

• The impact of delays in the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) process.  
• Challenges faced by people living with MND with the DFG and home adaptations.  
• How fast-track approaches in local authorities can improve outcomes.  
• Examples of good practice from across the country. 

Our MND Association stand at the conference, which took place at the Bournemouth International Centre from 6-8 July, was visited by over 60 councillors and dozens of others from different sectors.   

In these conversations, we were asking councillors to:  

• Implement fast-tracking at their respective councils and waive means tests. 
• Share our campaign resources and best practice guidance with colleagues. 
• Learn from other councils that have effective fast-track systems. 
• Sign up to the MND Association Councillor Network. 
• Continue conversations with the MND Association after the conference. 

More councils are now adopting fast tracking for people with MND when applying for housing adaptations, on the back of our campaign. 

Richard Evans, Director of Engagement at the MND Association, said: "Housing adaptations have a huge positive impact on independence, safety and quality of life.  

"People with MND do not have time to wait, yet their applications are slowed by red tape and avoidable delays.  

"Faster Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) processes are achievable and already exist in many areas of the UK. 

"We want councils to work with us, adopt our Unlock the Door campaign asks and give people with MND security and dignity in their homes."