Independent Living Grant

Although not currently available, the Independent Living Grant programme was piloted in 2011-12 and a further round took place at the end of the 2012-13 financial year. The programme helped to reduce the waiting lists for Disabled Facilities Grants, with local authorities nominating those who were most likely to benefit. The additional resources freed up authorities' funding for Disabled Facilities Grants thus enabling more people to be helped, and sooner than may otherwise have been possible. Between them, Care and Repair agencies were able to utilise approximately £1 million in a three month period at the end of the last financial year.

The grant was available for people over 60 years of age, living in their own home or in privately rented accommodation. It provided adaptations to homes involving works between £1,000 and £10,000. Referral to the service was based on a simple form provided by Care and Repair agencies, with a requirement for an agreement by local Housing, Health and Social Services for the works to be undertaken. In approximately 12 per cent of cases, the original referrals to the programme were from Health or Social Services staff.