Grants Promote Independence

Grants promote independence

Monday August 17 2015.  For immediate release

 

Copeland Council has helped 66 disabled people preserve their independence and stay living in their own homes in the last year.

 

The council offers disabled facilities grants – money to pay for adaptations to make home life easier for disabled people and their carers.

 

In the last year £475,000 has been given out through the scheme, with the average cost of changes being around £3,630. Some of the feedback from clients has included: “The service given was first rate, “Just a big thank you” and “The service is excellent, thank you all.”

 

Deputy Mayor Lena Hogg, whose portfolio includes housing, said: “Disabled Facilities Grants are an important part of our work and people have told us they can be life-changing. These relatively small amounts can mean the difference between someone continuing to live at home and having to move out, or be cared for.”

 

Grants are available to home owners, private tenants and social housing tenants. Some of the most common adaptations include making showers accessible, stair lifts, ramps, and adapting kitchens for wheelchair users.

 

“There has also been a small rise in the number of grants we’ve processed. In the last 12 months we have given out 105 grants, compared to 97 grants in the previous year.”

 

Find out more about disabled facilities grants at http://www.copeland.gov.uk/content/disabled-facilities-grants or by calling Copeland Council’s housing team on 01946 598300. Disabled facilities grants are means tested and cannot be applied for retrospectively.

 

 

Ends

 

Notes for editors

• For media enquiries, please contact:

Communications Officer, Leila Cox on 01946 598315

Communications Officer, Anja Swan on 01946 598353.

Communications Manager, Karen Morley-Chesworth on 01946 598 504

Mobile: 07880 997 246 Email: karen.morley-chesworth@copeland.gov.uk

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