Recommendations & Conclusions
4 items
11
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Disabled people in the…
Accepted
The Government should provide funding, in line with the new burdens doctrine, to local authorities to ensure that they can carry out these additional requirements and duties to the best of their ability. (Paragraph 43) Adapting homes: the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)
Government response. The government acknowledges the DFG allocation formula is outdated and commits to reviewing how DFG funding is allocated to local authorities, proposing to consult on a new formula during 2025 with the aim to adopt a new approach as soon …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
16
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Disabled people in the…
Accepted
We welcome the Government’s decision to increase overall DFG funding allocations to local authorities in 2023/24 and 2024/25. However, the current DFG distribution formula is unfair and does not distribute funds according to local need. Oxford City Council sets a good example for how local authorities across England should develop …
Government response. The government acknowledges the DFG distribution formula is outdated, commits to reviewing how funding is allocated based on local need, and plans to consult on a new formula during 2025 with the aim of adopting it as soon as possible.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
17
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Disabled people in the…
Accepted
The current provision of local authority support for disabled people seeking to adapt their homes is inconsistent across England. This can result in additional barriers for disabled people as they navigate the DFG process. The Government should expand Foundations’ remit to improve its DFG guidance and self-assessment tools for disabled …
Government response. The government states that its current contract with Foundations, which commenced in October 2024, already includes providing accessible information to the public, and the department will continue to work with Foundations to ensure quality guidance and self-assessment tools for disabled …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
18
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Disabled people in the…
Accepted
It is unacceptable that any landlords should refuse disabled tenants permission for reasonable accessibility adaptations, especially where these adaptations have been approved as part of a DFG application. The Government must continue its work with landlord associations and housing associations across England to issue DFG guidance to landlords, to reduce …
Government response. The government will explore further changes, highlight how the Renters' Rights Bill will empower tenants and introduce an Ombudsman to consider complaints about refusal of adaptations, and ensure the Ombudsman's service and communications meet the needs of disabled tenants. They …
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government