Disabled people face housing crisis as Government reneges on funding pledge

Disabled people face housing crisis as Government reneges on funding pledge

0:06 AM, 8th February 2024, About 11 months ago 2

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The Government has been accused of breaking its promise to increase the funding for disabled people to adapt their homes, leaving many in a housing crisis.

The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a fund that helps disabled people in England pay for home adaptations, such as ramps, stairlifts, or wet rooms, that enable them to live independently.

The National Residential Landlords Association says there are more than 1.2 million households in the private rented sector in England which have someone living in them with a disability or long-term illness.

The DFG is a vital way to ensure properties can meet the needs of such tenants.

Landlords are more likely to make adaptations to properties

Previous research by the NRLA has found that, where landlords are aware of the DFG, they are far more likely to make adaptations to properties that disabled tenants need.

However, the NRLA warns that unless the cap on the amount available is increased, it will become increasingly difficult to fund these.

‘Every disabled person deserves a home that meets their needs ‘

The NRLA’s chief executive, Ben Beadle, said: “Every disabled person deserves a home that meets their needs and enables them to live as independently as possible. To do so however requires adequate funding.

“Unless it fully reviews the cap on the Disabled Facilities Grant to better reflect growing costs, the Government will make it impossible for many to afford the adaptations they desperately need.”

He added: “Ministers need to keep their word and commit to uprating the grants available to disabled people.”

Fund is capped at £30,000 per person

The fund is capped at £30,000 per person, a figure that has not changed since 2008 and has not kept up with rising costs.

The NRLA’s statement follows a BBC report that the Government has dropped its commitment to consult on raising the cap.

This means that many disabled people will not be able to access the full amount of funding they need, and may have to resort to borrowing, moving, or living in unsuitable conditions.


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Darren O'Connell

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10:55 AM, 8th February 2024, About 11 months ago

“I am deeply concerned about the recent developments regarding the Government’s funding pledge for disabled people. The decision to rescind the promise to increase funding for the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is disappointing and a significant step backwards in our efforts to provide equality and independence for people with disabilities.

By failing to update the funding cap, the Government effectively limits access to necessary adaptations within people’s homes, with profound ramifications.

As a society, we cannot afford to overlook the needs of disabled people. It’s time for the Government to act compassionately so that everyone is entitled to dignity and comfort within their own homes,” Director of Absolute Mobility, Darren O’Connell.

DPT

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16:53 PM, 8th February 2024, About 11 months ago

Oh I'm sure the Government has a cunning plan. Just change the law to force landlords to pay for the adaptations.

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