Team which improves homes for people with disabilities ranked one of the most responsive
07/05/2025
The average major adaptation took just three months from referral to completion
A Cherwell District Council grants team, which is dedicated to improving the homes of people with disabilities, has been recognised as one of the most responsive in the UK.
In the last twelve months the team have invested £1.22 million of government funding in improvements. This included installing 194 adaptations, with the average major adaptation taking just three months from referral to completion.
This makes Cherwell one of the best performing councils in the country, as measured against national best practice targets.
Work ranged from small but cost-effective jobs such as adaptations to instal a key safe so that a carer or nurse can securely enter a disabled person’s home, to major works such as extensions, stairlifts and step-free showers. Projects can be funded up to the value of £30,000.
Councillor Nick Cotter, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “People with disabilities can benefit hugely from housing with specialist adaptations to meet their needs. The latest reporting data show that our council is achieving this quickly and effectively. From simple jobs like a handrail to major works like a walk-in bathroom, the correct adaptations allow people to live more happily and safely in their own homes.
“As well as empowering our individuals, investments in disabled adaptations are incredibly cost-effective. We estimate that every £1 of government grant money spent on something like a stairlift delivers a saving of around £3.50 to the NHS by preventing accidents such as falls and supporting people to leave hospital sooner.”
For people who believe they might benefit from disabled facilities adaptations, the first step is to contact occupational health at Oxfordshire County Council. Following an assessment, eligible residents are then given a referral to Cherwell’s housing team.
Adaptations can be made to social housing, privately rented housing and owner-occupied housing.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
