Issue - meetings

This report outlines proposed changes to the Grants and Assistance Policy to take account of statutory changes to the disabled facilities grant (DFG). It also  advises Members about the pressures on the adaptations budget this year and forecasts the potential impact to next years budget and highlights the additional funding requirements that has been requested through the capital resource allocation model (CRAM) process.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised to :

(i)                 Note the briefing provided regarding pressures on the adaptations budget in the current year and the forecasted potential impact on next year’s budget.

(ii)               Approve option 1 – To revise the existing policy in line with the proposed policy changes relating to:

a)     the general consent; and

b)     access to the gardens.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:      To ensure that vulnerable people remain independent and safe in their own homes by the provision of a fast and responsive service which provides value for money.

Members considered a report, which outlined the proposed changes to the Grants and Assistance Policy to take account of the changes to the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).

The report also advised Members about the pressure on the adaptations budget this year and forecast the potential impact on next year’s budget, and highlighted the additional funding requirements that had been requested through the Capital Resource Allocation Model (CRAM) process.

In response to questions raised by Members, Officers responded that the Council had the discretion to impose a limited charge if a grant had been made and the property was sold within 10 years from the certified date of the grant. It was also confirmed by Officers that access to gardens could be via the back or front door, not both and that each case was assessed on its own merits in terms of what was reasonable and practical.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised to:

(i)                 Note the briefing provided regarding pressures on the adaptations budget in the current year and the forecasted potential impact on next year’s budget.

(ii)               Approve option 1 – To revise the existing policy in line with the proposed policy changes relating to:

a)     the general consent; and

b)     access to the gardens.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:      To ensure that vulnerable people remain independent and safe in their own homes, by the provision of a fast and responsive service, which provides value for money.