Disabled Facilities Grant Means Test: Opening Government Dialogue
Disabled Facilities Grant Means Test: Opening Government Dialogue
The Issue
Witnessing my grandmother's struggle with motor neuron disease firsthand, I saw the swift and heart-wrenching toll it took on her mobility. Soon, she needed a specially equipped wet room to maintain her dignity and independence. Yet, like countless others in similar predicaments, her savings exceeded the meagre £6000 limit imposed by the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) means test. As a result, our family decided to take matters into our own hands, and Age Care Bathrooms was established out of need and love.
Since our company's inception, we have noticed a widespread issue: flaws in current policies block vital funding for disability facilities. A recent Age Care Bathrooms YouGov survey conducted in April 2024 highlighted challenges faced by those 50 and older, especially with bathroom accessibility. The survey indicated that one in four respondents reported at least one person in the household has difficulties with bathing or showering.
These findings are further supported by research conducted by the Habinteg Housing Association in 2022, revealing a staggering demand for wheelchair-accessible homes, with 20,000 individuals currently on waiting lists, along with 104,000 awaiting homes tailored to their specific needs. Although a government review in April 2023 identified high dropout rates due to stringent contribution requirements, the means test has remained the same. Given the significant shortage of suitable housing for people with disabilities, the government must address these concerns promptly.
A change to the current DFG system has been suggested by the charity Foundations, contracted by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to support the delivery of Disabled Facilities Grants. I acknowledge what the foundation is saying and urge the government to address these concerns. Join us in advocating for fairer assessments to help give accessible disability facilities to all who require them. Please sign the petition to help bring this to the government's attention.
Sam Davies, Founder and Director, Age Care Bathrooms
32
The Issue
Witnessing my grandmother's struggle with motor neuron disease firsthand, I saw the swift and heart-wrenching toll it took on her mobility. Soon, she needed a specially equipped wet room to maintain her dignity and independence. Yet, like countless others in similar predicaments, her savings exceeded the meagre £6000 limit imposed by the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) means test. As a result, our family decided to take matters into our own hands, and Age Care Bathrooms was established out of need and love.
Since our company's inception, we have noticed a widespread issue: flaws in current policies block vital funding for disability facilities. A recent Age Care Bathrooms YouGov survey conducted in April 2024 highlighted challenges faced by those 50 and older, especially with bathroom accessibility. The survey indicated that one in four respondents reported at least one person in the household has difficulties with bathing or showering.
These findings are further supported by research conducted by the Habinteg Housing Association in 2022, revealing a staggering demand for wheelchair-accessible homes, with 20,000 individuals currently on waiting lists, along with 104,000 awaiting homes tailored to their specific needs. Although a government review in April 2023 identified high dropout rates due to stringent contribution requirements, the means test has remained the same. Given the significant shortage of suitable housing for people with disabilities, the government must address these concerns promptly.
A change to the current DFG system has been suggested by the charity Foundations, contracted by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, to support the delivery of Disabled Facilities Grants. I acknowledge what the foundation is saying and urge the government to address these concerns. Join us in advocating for fairer assessments to help give accessible disability facilities to all who require them. Please sign the petition to help bring this to the government's attention.
Sam Davies, Founder and Director, Age Care Bathrooms
32
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Petition created on 2 May 2024