£900,000 homes aid for disabled

Almost £900,000 will be given to Rochdale Borough Council to help pay for adaptations at homes of disabled people so they can live comfortably and independently.

The allocation is part of a £165 million pot announced by Communities Minister Lord McKenzie.

The Disabled Facilities Grant programme will benefit about 40,000 people across the UK through improvements such as upgraded lighting for better visibility or improved access to the home through ramps and widened doors.

Lord McKenzie said: “These grants will make life significantly easier every day for many thousands of people.

“No one wants to go through the upheaval of moving house when it is avoidable.

“This money enables people to stay in their own home, while enjoying an improved quality of life.”

Any disabled person can apply for the grant via their council, whether they are a homeowner, private tenant or local authority tenant.

The council will arrange for an occupational therapist through social services to visit the home to assess which adaptations are needed.

A spokesman for Rochdale Borough Council said: “In the last year we’ve completed more than 600 major adaptations to homes to help improve the quality of life for local people with disabilities.

"This is a valuable service to those residents that need it, so it’s reassuring that the funding we’ve been allocated for this year is at the same level as last year.

"You can access the scheme following an assessment by an occupational therapist.

"Adults can enquire about eligibility for an Occupational Therapy assessment by calling 0845 123 5630 - parents of Children with Disabilities should phone 01706 646760.”