Minute 58 (Cabinet Agenda Item No. 9 refers)

Called-in by Councillors Cox and Davidson

The Committee considered Minute 58 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 15 June 2021, which had been called-in to the People Scrutiny Committee, together with a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) seeking approval of the Disabled Facilities Grants Policy for Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

The Leader of the Council undertook to provide a written response to questions raised by members of the Committee with regard to the publicity currently afforded to the availability of Disabled Facilities Grants by the Council and the level of applications made for grant funding for the provision of relevant facilities, by local residents.

Resolved:

That the following decisions of the Cabinet be noted:

“1. That the removal of a means test for grants under £6,000 (£6,500 for a curved stairlift) to speed up prevention process for applicants, be approved.

2. That the circumstances where a discretionary disabled facilities grant can be considered, including relocation grants, special assistance grants and top-up grants, be approved.

3. That the Disabled Facilities Grants Policy document be adopted with immediate effect.”

Note: This is an Executive function

Cabinet Member: Councillor I Gilbert

Report of Executive Director (Adults and Communities) attached

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) seeking approval of the Disabled Facilities Grants Policy for Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

Resolved:

1. That the removal of a means test for grants under £6,000 (£6,500 for a  curved stairlift) to speed up prevention process for applicants, be approved.

2. That the circumstances where a discretionary disabled facilities grant can be considered, including relocation grants, special assistance grants and top-up grants, be approved.

3. That the Disabled Facilities Grants Policy document be adopted with immediate effect.

Reasons for decision:

To adopt the Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) Policy and remove the means test for adaptations under £6,000 and stair lifts (average cost of which is £6,500).

Other options:

1.  Not to introduce a discretionary Disabled Facilities Grant policy, continuing to only provide the mandatory elements of the DFG.

2. To continue to means test for all grants as per the mandatory requirements.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) seeking approval of the Disabled Facilities Grants Policy for Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

Resolved:

1. That the removal of a means test for grants under £6,000 (£6,500 for a  curved stairlift) to speed up prevention process for applicants, be approved.

2. That the circumstances where a discretionary disabled facilities grant can be considered, including relocation grants, special assistance grants and top-up grants, be approved.

3. That the Disabled Facilities Grants Policy document be adopted with immediate effect.

Reasons for decision:

To adopt the Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) Policy and remove the mean’s test for adaptations under £6,000 and stair lifts (average cost of which is £6,500).

Other options:

1.  Not to introduce a discretionary Disabled Facilities Grant policy, continuing to only provide the mandatory elements of the DFG.

2. To continue to means test for all grants as per the mandatory requirements.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

*Called-in to People Scrutiny Committee