People who need help to live independently for longer will be able to apply for grants of up to £30,000.
Cumberland Council’s executive has agreed a new policy, which it said, will make the process smoother for people to make adaptations to their homes.
A new agency will be created, which will mean people will be assigned a caseworker to guide them through the stages from application and design to management of the work.
Grants of up to £30,000 can be provided via the Government’s Disabled Facilities Grants scheme.
Home adaptations – such as ramps, grab rails or wet rooms – result in people having the confidence and ability to remain in their homes for longer, benefitting both their physical and mental health, the council said.
There are also plans to introduce a deferred payment loan scheme, allowing people to top up their grant with an interest-free loan which is repaid once the property is sold or transferred such as through inheritance.
Councillor Emma Williamson, executive member with responsibility for children and family wellbeing and housing, said: “I’m really pleased to see agreement of this policy.
“Not only does it harmonise the approach to home adaptations across Cumberland, but improves the service we are providing our residents with a full holistic service guiding people through the process from beginning to end.
“What we can achieve through these grants is truly life changing for those who receive them, allowing them to remain independent in their home near their family and friends. This preventative approach to services is all part of our key ambition to help improve the health and wellbeing of our residents.”
The council paid out over £4.7 million in grants in 2024/25. It said it was seeing a 13.8% increase in grant allocation in the next financial year.
In 2023/24 818 projects were completed, an 8.5% rise on the previous year.
The policy has been developed through extensive consultation with local residents and organisations as well as the council’s members, it said.
For more information about the disabled facilities grants, click here.
