We are committed to providing an adaptation service that will address the needs of our customers and where necessary the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. In partnership with Fylde Borough Council, Social Services and the Health Authority we will ensure that the needs of our tenants for disabled adaptations are undertaken efficiently.
As a Registered Social Landlord, we are under no legal obligation to undertake or finance adaptations for its residents. Under the NHS and Community Care Act (1990) and the Disabled Facilities Grant legislation the responsibility to see that all disabled people have their needs assessed and adaptations provided lies with the Local Authority. As part of its commitment to our tenants, we work in partnership with the Local Authority to provide additional funding and support to ensure that the needs of tenants in relation to adaptations are met, within the constraints of available funding.
Adaptations fall into two categories:
Minor adaptations include:
- Hand/Grab rails
- Over bath showers
- Raised door steps
- Door intercom systems
- Adjustment to door handles/window latches
- Ad hoc requests such as shower screen, safety gates, etc.
Major adaptations include:
- Walk in showers
- Ramps
- Lifts
- Extensions (to meet of the applicants needs)
- Room conversions
What should I do if I need an adaptation?
You can either contact your local Social Services Department or your GP. You will then be referred to the Occupational Therapy Department who will make arrangements to see you at your home and assess your needs.
What happens if the Occupational Therapist agrees that I need an adaptation?
Once the Occupational Therapist has made a recommendation, you will receive a letter from Social Services to let you know what has been recommended and what will happen next. In most cases you will be contacted by the Local Authority to discuss the adaptation.
How much will it cost me?
Once the need to adapt your property has been decided, Social Services will write to the Local Authority and request assistance to carry out the adaptations. You may then be invited to make an application for a grant. A Grant Officer will assess your financial circumstances by carrying out a means test. This will determine whether you are required to make a contribution towards the adaptation.
How long does it take to get a grant?
The Local Authority must issue a grant approval within six months of receiving a completed grant application form together with all necessary paperwork and estimates. If the cost of an adaptation is £500 or less, we will fund the adaptation (subject to budget availability). Work will be carried out within three months from when the need for an adaptation is identified. Adaptations costing between £500 and £25,000 can be funded by the Local Authority Disabled Facilities Grant subject to a test of resources being carried out to assess whether you will need to make a contribution towards the cost of the works. We will endeavour to assist statutory agencies with major adaptation works to its tenanted properties. However, this will be subject to budget availability and a maximum ceiling contribution for individual adaptations.
To request an assessment, contact Social Services on: 01253 738111
For information on financial assistance contact Fylde Borough Council: 01253 658658
All other enquiries contact New Fylde Housing's Adaptations Advice Line on: 01253 642121
