Decision

The Council has decided to approve capital resources for Disabled Facilities Grants to assist eligible individuals in living independently.

Analysis

outcome: Recommendations Approved

summary: The decision involves approving capital resources for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) to assist people in living independently by funding adaptations to their properties.

topline: The Council has decided to approve capital resources for Disabled Facilities Grants to assist eligible individuals in living independently.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves allocating public funds and resources for specific individuals, which could raise questions about fairness and prioritization.

affected_stakeholders: ["Council members", "Disabled individuals", "Homeowners", "Tenants"]

contentiousness_score: 5

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://democracy.darlington.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2019

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: The Cabinet Member with the Adults Portfolio introduced the report (previously circulated) of the Executive Director of People to advise Members of the capital resources available for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) during 2026-27 and to seek members’ approval for the release of those resources to be utilised in accordance with Darlington Borough Council Disabled Facilities Grant and Regulatory Reform Order Policy 2022-2025.   The report explained that the DFGs assist people to live independently by helping to fund suitable adaptations to their properties, they are means tested and are available to owner-occupiers, tenants of private rented properties and Housing Association tenants.   The report clarified that the DFGs are governed by housing legislation and have set conditions for payment, within these regulations. The Council has a shared service agreement in place with Durham County Council to provide a Home Improvement Agency service to provide guidance and practical assistance to people who are older, disabled or on low incomes to claim a DFG to repair, improve or adapt their homes. It was also outlined how they provide support to people until the work is completed and the contractor has been paid.   RESOLVED - It is recommended that :-   (a)    It is noted that the sum of £1,319,439 has been allocated to the Council to use for Disabled Facilities Grant adaptations in 2026-2027 (which is the same as 2025 –2026) plus a previous additional in year allocation of £92,788 in 2025 -26.   (b)   The capital funding for 2026-27 and the additional capital funding for 2025-26 is released to enable it to be allocated in accordance with Darlington Borough Council Disabled Facilities Grant and Regulatory Reform Order Policy 2022-2025.    REASON - The recommendations are supported by the following reasons: -   (a)    To enable the adaptations for those individuals who are eligible to receive a DFG for 2026-27 to proceed.  

Date of Decision: July 13, 2026