Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Care / Assistant Director of Commissioning which sought amendments to the administration of the Disabled Facilities Grant and Adaptions provision.

Alternatives considered

To continue to operate what is an inequitable two tier system across the borough.

RESOLVED

1.    That the principle of a pooled arrangement and single delivery framework for all adaptations across the borough, regardless of tenure be approved.

2.    That it be noted the DFG capital allocation from Central Government, along with an amount to be agreed with RBH be pooled together and managed by RBC, so that all residents are treated equitably and the estimated budget shortfalls within both organisations can be minimised, ensuring that those most in need are prioritised in a single system.

3.    That the decision to Director of Neighbourhoods and Director of Strategic Commissioning (DASS) in consultation with Portfolio Holders for Highways and Housing and Adult Care and wellbeing be given delegated authority to:

a.    approve a contract variation to the STA confirming the commitment of £700k plus RPI estimated to be £712k from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2026, with the expectation that RBH continue to spend additional funds where appropriate, and agreed, and the implementation of arrangement at which point it will be reviewed and revert to Cabinet for future recommendations,

b.     approve implementation of a pooled arrangement and single policy and prioritisation approach for adaptations/DFG

4.    That the increasing pressures on the DFG budget be noted and that consideration will be given to increasing the capital budget available to cover any future projected pressures in the costs of all adaptations.

Reason for recommendation

The statutory requirement for adaptations sits with the council. There is no statutory requirement for RBH to undertake their own adaptations, although it is a requirement within the stock transfer agreement.