Under Part 1 of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 the Council has a legal duty to provide specialist adaptations to meet the care and mobility needs of people with disabilities to enable them to live independently with privacy and dignity.

The need for the adaptation is determined by an Occupational Therapist from the Lancashire County Council's Adult Social Care Services Department.  The Council will only act on recommendations made by an Occupational Therapist.

South Ribble Borough Council is the lower tier authority responsible for statutory housing functions, whilst Lancashire County Councils the upper tier responsible for social care.  Grant assistance under this policy will be limited to the maximum grant in accordance with the legislation which is currently £30,000.

All applications are treated in same way regardless of tenure and are triggered by the receipt of an OT6 form from the Occupational Therapist (OT).  The OT's assessment will follow the principles of the Fair Access to Care Services (FACS) criteria. 

Eligible Works

- To assist entry and exit from the property
- To aid access into and around the living areas, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom.
- Access to and from the garden by a disabled occupant.
- Where the existing footprint or layout of the dwelling, including outbuildings and garages, can be adapted or converted to accommodate the facilities required, the Council will not consider an extension to the property.  Where an extension is necessary and there is no other option, the Council will consider the most cost-effective method of meeting the applicant's requirements. 
- Where the applicant has a preference for works that are over and above those necessary to meet the disabled person's needs (such as an extension rather than the provision of a stairlift and level access shower) the Council will only fund the cost of the original recommended works, the remainder being funded by the applicant.
- The Council does not offer discretionary DFG's nor does it provide any other discretionary top-up grants for adaptations.  Any amount above the statutory maximum level must be paid for by - the applicant. 

Applications for grant aid will not be considered where works have previously been completed.

For older and disabled people to enable them to live independently at home

If you would like to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant, you will need to telephone Lancashire County Council Adult Social Care (occupational therapists) for an OT Assessment, you can contact them on 0300 123 6720.

Read more at https://www.southribble.gov.uk/article/1333/Disabled-facilities-grants