The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) enables disabled people the ability to live independently as it provides funding to councils to pay for home adaptations.
This funding is crucial as it ensures that people living with disabilities are supported within their own home. However, without the grant many landlords can’t afford to make the adaptations out of their own pocket.
A recent government consultation on the DFG shows that funding may soon be allocated differently. According to Property118, the consultation formula “will reflect local levels of disability and health need.”
Funding
Landlords within the private rented sector are only eligible for DFG funding if they have a tenant with a disability living at the property.
The current grant allows households in England to receive up to £30,000 to support any home adaptations needed. Whereas in Wales, the support is much higher with grants of up to £36,000.
As a result, Propertymark is calling on the government to match the level of support that Wales is showing those with disabilities by bringing English funding levels in line with those available in Wales.
Financial support
The consultation did, however, show the decision to maintain local authorities’ funding “at 100 per cent of last year’s allocation.” This totals up to £723 million.
Whilst Propertymark celebrated that decision, disappointment was shown at the mention that the guaranteed minimum level of financial support will fall from 97.5% in 2027/28 to 95% in 2028/29.
Henceforth, Property118 reported that requests have been made for ministers to keep funding levels strong, particularly for the private rented sector.
Propertymark claims grants should be streamlined
Propertymark argues that, due to a mismatch between social housing supply and demand as well as the low take-up of DFG funding in the PRS - eligibility for private landlords should be streamlined.
Alongside this, awareness of opportunities to access funding must be raised.
Renters’ Rights Act impact
According to Property118: “The government has confirmed that there will be no dedicated private rented sector fund within the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) and adds that the Renters’ Rights Act will give tenants greater confidence to request adaptations without fear of eviction.”
Grant funding must support landlords
Tim Thomas, policy and campaigns officer at Propertymark, said: “The announcement that the UK government will implement a new Disabled Facilities Grant formula is an important one, and we encourage ministers to maintain strong funding levels as population needs continue to evolve.
“Given the changing demographics, with more persons with a disability and older people accessing the PRS, grant funding must support more landlords to improve accessibility.
“Fundamental to this will be greater collaboration between local authorities and private landlords through an accessible housing database, widened access to grant funding and improved awareness of existing grant funding opportunities.”
