Cabinet approves policy updates to support residents improve or adapt properties

A policy that supports residents to stay in their homes through adaptations or improvements or move to more suitable homes has been approved by Cabinet.   

The Private Sector Assistance Policy helps people live independently, tackles CO2 emissions and helps anyone with pre-existing health conditions access nationally available grants and funding.

The policy sets out both the discretionary and mandatory financial assistance Dorset Council offers to eligible residents to improve or adapt their property.

It includes the Disabled Facilities Grant for major adaptations such as ramps, door widening or stair lift, lower preparation food surface, relocating lighting controls and much more.

Activities include:

• adaptations for disabled people or moving to more suitable accommodation
• energy efficiency work
• general improvements in line with the decent home’s standard so homes are in a reasonable state of repair, have reasonable facilities and services and provides a reasonable degree of thermal comfort
• bringing empty homes back into use

In addition, the policy includes:

• A top up grant raising the maximum disabled facilities grant to £45,000  
• A moving on grant for disabled people to move to more suitable homes
• An energy improvement grant for disabled people

Cabinet member for Housing and Health Gill Taylor said, “This policy underpins the positive impact on both the public health or our residents and the environment.

It supports individuals with disabilities and improves housing standards, addressing issues like damp and mould. It focuses too on those with health issues and low incomes, so we could not be without it.

The loans are also designed for those residents who struggle to access traditional financing.”

In 2023/24 over £4m was spent on disabled adaptations with 371 major and 1140 minor adaptations completed.

309 homes were insulated through the  Healthy Homes Dorset service in 23/24 with more than 400 properties in total improved saving 425 tonnes of Carbon.

Funded loans for home improvements and energy efficiency such as solar panels, battery storage or heat pumps are administered by Lendology , the Councils not for profit “community interest company” for both homeowners and private landlords.  

If you are interested in any of the schemes please go to our housing page here where you can choose from options such adapting your home, advice for landlords, advice for tenants, cost of living help and empty homes.

The Council are required by the Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) (England and Wales) Order 2002 to agree and publish a policy for any housing assistance it wishes to offer. 

This policy particularly benefits groups with characteristics relating to age, disability, carers, single parent families, poverty, military personnel and rural isolation.

Cabinet was held on 19 November 2024.