Issue - meetings

(a) That the updated DFG Policy be supported and the ongoing work to improve the service be noted;

(b) That the amendment, shown at Appendix 2 in the Policy, for the removal of the means test for medium sized adaptations be noted; and

(c) That the changes to Land Charges in-line with Welsh Government Revised Housing Standards, as outlined in the report, be noted.

The Service Manager - Housing Management, Benefit Service including Disabled Facilities Grants) introduced a report to update on the current Discretionary Policy and changes made in the last 12 months. 

The Service Manager highlighted the two main changes within the Policy, which were as follows:-

1.    The value for means testing had been reviewed and had been increased from £10,000 to £20,000; and

2.    The need to apply for a land charge had now been removed.  If an adapted property was sold within 5 – 10 years of the adaptation, then the Council would look to re-coup the cost to provide security and assurances to the public purse.

In response to a question from Councillor David Evans around re-couping costs, the Service Manager said that this was a rare occurrence. 

Councillor Dennis Hutchinson asked if equipment installed in properties could be recycled and re-used when removed.  The Service Manager that an effective recycling system was used for equipment and all equipment was tested before being re-installed in another property.  She added that the equipment was also installed with a five year warranty. 

The recommendations, as outlined within the report, were moved and seconded by Councillor David Evans and Councillor Rosetta Dolphin.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the updated DFG Policy be supported and the ongoing work to improve the service be noted;

(b)       That the amendment, shown at Appendix 2 in the Policy, for the removal of the means test for medium sized adaptations be noted; and

(c)        That the changes to Land Charges in-line with Welsh Government Revised Housing Standards, as outlined in the report, be noted.