Council adopts new disability grants policy to prepare for rising demand and costs

Council Adopts New Disability Grants Policy

Winchester City Council's Housing Cabinet Committee approved the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) policy for 2025 to 2030 on Tuesday, November 4. This grant, governed by the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, helps disabled individuals live safely and independently by funding necessary home adaptations.

Purpose and Scope of the Grant

The DFG covers essential modifications such as accessible bathrooms, stairlifts, and ramps. It aims to support eligible disabled residents by enabling them to remain in their own homes with improved safety and comfort.

Challenges Addressed by the Policy

“The DFG policy 2025 to 2030 addresses evolving challenges, including: increased demand for adaptations, budgetary constraints and stagnant grant allocations, rising costs of construction and adaptation works, and recommendations from a recent internal audit.”

Discussion on Military Compensation in Income Testing

Cllr Suzanne White, speaking on behalf of Cllr Danny Lee, proposed that military compensation should be excluded from income means testing when applying for grants.

“I wanted to raise it because it is something Cllr Lee wanted to know if it is something you’d consider.”

Simon Hendey, Strategic Director at WCC, responded:

“We are aware of the motion in terms of disregarding military compensation for those injured as part of means testing.”

Summary

The updated Disabled Facilities Grant policy aims to address rising demand and costs while considering fair income assessments for applicants, including those receiving military compensation.

Hampshire Chronicle — 2025-11-07