Alterations to the height and/or position of light switches and power points to make them accessible to the disabled person (only in rooms accessible to the disabled person).

Supplementary heating to the rooms that are in everyday use by the disabled person where a medical need can be demonstrated. This does not include repair to existing systems. Changes to the type of heating system will only be allowed if evidenced by medical need.

Provision of enhanced fire alarm systems for those with hearing difficulties.

Carrying out structural alterations where necessary to provide fixings for disabled equipment provided by Social Services.

Where an adaptation is required to a listed building and additional works are required to comply with requirements.

Where an adaptation cannot be carried out due to disrepair issues those repairs, within reason, may be carried out. Such works as replacement of rotted flooring or strengthening of the floor as part of a level access shower installation, electrical repairs to enable works to be carried out safely and dealing with low water pressure. Replacing defective drainage and a full rewire would not be eligible.

Additional bathrooms or bedrooms may be allowed where they are specifically for the disabled person and it can be demonstrated that adaptation of other rooms or space or access to those rooms in the property is unsuitable. Extensions will only be allowed following a detailed and thorough option appraisal process.

In cases of terraced properties with narrow passageways or very difficult access, effective adaptation can only proceed where it can be reasonably and practicably carried out without having a detrimental impact on neighbouring properties.

Access To The Garden

This will only be considered if specifically recommended by an Occupational Therapist.

In deciding the extent of any access to the garden, the following will be taken into account:

Grant assistance will not be given where there is already access to the garden, but a grant may be given to improve an existing access to make it safe for the disabled occupant to use.

It does not include extending an existing access e.g creating a side access so a person can also go around the side of a house. Generally, the most modest solution for providing access to both the house and the garden will be considered and this can mean that one access may be sufficient to access both the house and the garden.

Where homes have communal gardens e.g. blocks of flats served by a single access, grants will not normally be provided for an individual access to the garden unless it can be demonstrated that because of the disabled person's condition the travel distance to the garden would be excessive and unreasonable.

The grant will simply be for providing immediate access to the garden and does not include landscaping gardens to make them more suitable for the disabled person to access.

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