£1.1m to improve disabled people’s homes

Plymouth City Council has approved more than £1m to improve disabled people’s homes in the city.

The total figure agreed under an executive decision - £1,145,000 – means more than 170 homes in Plymouth will have a number of improvements including:

• Stair lifts
• level access showers
• ramps
• improved wheelchair access
• accessible kitchens

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “As a council we are committed to doing all we can to improve the lives of disabled people and to help people live more independently.

“I’m really pleased to be able to sign off this executive decision because the Disabled Facilities Grant enables us to make a huge difference to people’s lives. The grants mean we can make homes more accessible and give disabled people a better quality of life.

“Last year we agreed 164 grants to help disabled and elderly people receive adaptations in their homes. This work helps people to live independently in their own homes, keeping them and their carers safe.”

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Co-operatives and Housing for Plymouth City Council said: “This work is so important – rather than having to look at providing new homes for disabled people it is much better if we can make improvements to people’s existing homes so that they can stay in their own familiar environment.”

Plymouth City Council uses agreements set up across Devon and Cornwall to reduce the cost of good quality adaptations.

Disabled Facilities Grants are offered to those eligible up to a maximum of £30,000.  If you feel you could benefit from home adaptations please call the Major Adaptations Team on 307 303.