A review of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive funding has been requested by a Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council councillor this week
A disabled person in a hme setting.(Image: GETTY)
Disability grants are to be scrutinised over concerns vulnerable people are being left short-changed with “sky-rocketing” costs to adapt homes.
A review of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive funding has been requested by a Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council councillor this week.
Concerns of “discrepancies” between the amount of a grant awarded compared to labour costs was raised in chambers as the NIHE referred to eye-watering “six figure sums” in the system.
READ MORE: Tree pod burials could be offered as climate friendly option.
READ MORE: Council will be accountable for damage amid memorial bench replacement.
Downshire East Alliance Alderman, Aaron McIntyre said:”On disabled facilities grant, since last year I found that there was an increasing discrepancy of what is awarded and and what the actual costs are coming in at for those who have applied for the grants.
“The difference can be several thousand pounds and many of these individuals are carers themselves with limited income in the household to be able to pay the discrepancy amount.
“Are there any plans at a strategic level to look at those awards and how they are calculated given the increased costs of labour and materials?”
Changes to disability benefits have been announced by the UK Government.(Image: Getty Images)
According to its website, the NIHE can provide a disabled facilities grant to adapt the home for a disabled person. An occupational therapist must recommend the work and can recommend improved access for home areas such as bathrooms and bedrooms.
Awards can be up to £35k and in some cases can be increased to a maximum of £70k. Applications for disabled facilities grants must be made through Health Trusts.
NIHE director of housing services, Jennifer Hawthorne responded:”I will be very happy to provide the figure for you, but I wouldn’t have it at hand now.
“But, you are absolutely right. Costs for disabled facilities grants as well as costs for adaptations to Housing Executive stock (homes) have absolutely sky-rocketed and we are seeing six figure sums coming in.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here