Issue - meetings

To consider a presentation from the Private Sector Housing Manager.

Members received a presentation on the cost benefits of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) from Karen Whitehead, Private Sector Housing Manager. She explained that the presentation was in response to a request from the Committee following an earlier report on DFGs. This had asked that a robust business case be brought which outlined the invest-to-save benefits of DFGs.

Karen Whitehead reported that the service had examined 21 cases where adaptations had been carried out by looking into the following areas to calculate saving/cost avoidance and payback period:

-       Cost of care package prior to adaptation

-       Cost of adaptation

-       Cost of care package after adaptation.

With the use of case studies, Karen Whitehead demonstrated that there were examples of how DFGs could result in cost avoidance, cost savings and other benefits that were not necessarily economic.

In sum, Karen Whitehead explained that whilst it was not possible to generate a reliable figure for the potential cost saving/cost avoidance of DFGs, it was clear from the analysis that there were significant social and economic benefits of independent living.

It was queried that if the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) removed their portion of the funding, would the Council still feel it worthwhile to continue with providing DFGs. Karen Whitehead asserted that removing the DFG budget would have a significant impact on residents as a number of people have relied on the grant in order to remain independent. Patrick Rhoden added that if the Council invested more in DFGs from the capital programme this would likely make a significant revenue saving.

It was questioned how the Council arranged contracts for the work. Karen Whitehead explained that this was where the Home Improvement Agency (HIA) became involved. They helped the resident find a reputable tradesman and then they also supervised the work. It was noted that the resident was free to arrange their own contract but that the HIA would still supervise the work.

Regarding the invest-to-save potential of DFGs, it was queried whether any progress had been made in achieving extra funding. Karen Whitehead reported that the service was undertaking a pilot to look at the short term payback options e.g. stair lifts to explore whether these could be made more widely available. She also noted that the 2012/13 budget for DFGs had increased to £1,500,000 from £1,320,000 in 2011/12.

RESOLVED – That the presentation be noted.