URL: https://democracy.thanet.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5450

Decision Maker: Head of Housing and Planning

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: To approve and publish the Housing Assistance Policy 2025. Councils across England are required by the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 to offer Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) to people who qualify. These grants are mandatory but they are restricted to helping people with disabilities to adapt their homes to make them accessible and more suitable for their needs. The funding for these grants comes from central Government via the Better Care Fund.    If a Council wishes to offer financial assistance towards anything other than DFGs they have to adopt and publish a Housing Assistance Policy - in line with the Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) (England and Wales) Order 2002 - giving full details of the assistance they will offer to householders in their area for property adaptation, improvement or repair.    Thanet District Council adopted a Policy in 2019,  and in 2025 it was due for review. Following consultation, the Council is now in a position to publish its 2025 policy. This applies to Thanet residents, council officers, councillors, Contractors including building companies and associated organisations (such as agents and occupational therapists recommending and undertaking such works) and other stakeholders with an involvement or interest in this area.   The main focus of the assistance is towards: Schemes to improve the health and independence of persons with disabilities, the elderly and those with long term health conditions. To enable more effective use of the mandatory DFG. To facilitate hospital discharge and reduce “bed blocking.” To reduce fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency in peoples’ homes. To encourage people to bring empty homes back into use.    A draft version of the Housing Assistance Policy was presented to Cabinet in December, where it was agreed to consult upon that draft. Amendments to that draft, following careful consideration, can now be approved by the Head of Housing and Planning.  The previous policy (2019) was out of date and it would not have been possible to continue using that policy as it was out of date. Additionally, some of the suggestions in the policy could have been amended but these represent the best way of the Council spending its grant allocation, which is the largest in the county, reflecting the vulnerability of many households in the district.

Date of Decision: October 24, 2025