Funding announced to make homes more accessible for elderly and disabled

Local housing authorities will be able to make a range of adaptations to the homes of elderly and disabled people, including grab rails, which can be installed for “as little as £30”, according to a government statement.

Other changes that will be able to be made include installing ramps and stair lifts, widening of doors for those who are wheelchair-bound, level access showers and accessible gardens.

Wheeler said: “The government is committed to helping older and disabled people live independently and safely and this extra funding will ensure more people are getting the help they need.

“Even a small adaptation to a home can make a big difference and help ensure people can stay in their home and do not have to struggle with the stairs or in simply taking a bath or shower.”

The funding was initially announced in the 2017 Autumn Budget. It will be additional funding for the Disabled Facilities Grant, which the government has already pledged £431 million to for the 2017 to 2018 financial year.  

The councils who have been allocated the largest share of the extra funding are:

• Birmingham – £1,007,785
• Manchester – £675,147
• Leeds – £649,541
• Liverpool – £590,796
• Cornwall – £527,533

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