DFG Champions Roadshows - October 2016

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ROADSHOWS


Why DFG Champions?

• DFG funding helps thousands of people every year• Lots of professionals involved in the process• Can be frustrating• Peer support to do things better• Share what’s possible• Make improvements• Deliver better outcomes


FD GGRANT

Give MoneyMandatory

DISABLED

Condition that limits senses, movements or activities

FACILITIES

Features that allow you to do something


Examples of DFG Funded Adaptations


Typical DFG Process

Person contacts

Social Services

Occupational Therapist

makes assessment

Home Improvemen

t Agency helps with application

Local Authority approves

Grant

Contractor carries out

works

What is the minimum value for a valid DFG application?

A. £30,000 B. £nil

C. £1,000 D. £250

How many DFGs can 1 person can have?

A. 1 B. 2

C. 5 D. Unlimited

Who can’t apply for a DFG?

A. A Private Tenant B. An Owner Occupier

C. A Council Tenant D. A Housing Association Tenant

How long can a LA delay payment for a valid application?

A. 24 Months B. 18 Months

C. 12 Months D. 6 Months

Which is NOT required for a valid DFG Application?

A. Builders’ Estimates B. Owner or Tenant Certificate

C. Details of the Adaptations D. An OT Assessment

Which service/charge is NOT covered by a DFG?

A. Obtaining Estimates B. Warranty

C. Help Filling in Forms D. Financial Advice

Access to which room is NOT a ‘purpose’ of DFG?

A. Bathroom B. Kitchen

C. Dining Room D. Living Room

Which is NOT considered by the DFG Means Test?

A. Child Care Costs B. Student Travel

C. Student Books & Equipment D. Mortgage Payments

How long must you intend to remain living in the property?

A. 5 Years B. 7 Years

C. 3 Years D. 1 Year

What’s the shortest time taken to process a DFG?

A. One Day B. One Week

C. One Month D. One Year


DFG Funding

District Council

County Council(Better Care Fund)

1990 - 2014NOW


Why Change?

DFG Legislation

Personal Choice

Create Care Savings


Workshop 1: Changes to DFG Legislation


The Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 2006 (HGCRA)

Last regulatory changes in 2008 included• Update the figures to be used for assessing a person’s eligibility for a grant.• Bring access to the garden within the scope of the DFG, • Increase the maximum amount of grant that must be paid from £25,000 to

£30,000 • Discretion for Local Authorities to impose a charge of up to £10k for works

between £5k and £15kThe Disabled Facilities Grants (Maximum Amounts and Additional Purposes) (England) Order 2008 The Housing Renewal Grants (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2008 The Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996: Disabled Facilities Grant (Conditions relating to approval or payment of grant) General Consent 2008


The Challenge• Huge investment in DFG

programme• By 2019/20 more than £500m

to be invested• DH expect to see innovation

as well as increased number of adaptations.

• How can the current system be improved?

DFG Beneficiaries

Innovation

Department of Health


Workshop 1

Time to bring in changes - 2008 long time agoWe want your ideas for improvementWork on tables and come up with 4 ideasAppoint a spokespersonBring back to group and name the best one


Workshop 2: The Regulatory Reform Order


Regulatory Reform Order 2002

• General power to introduce policies for assisting individuals with renewals, repairs and adaptations in their homes through grants, loans and equity release.

• Available to all Local Housing Authorities • Provision of assistance to vulnerable home owners• Engenders a flexible approach to dealing with housing

issues


Relaxing the DFG Ring-fence

“From 2008/09 the scope for use of the DFG will be widened to support any LA expenditure incurred under the Regulatory Reform Order 2002. This will enable authorities to use specific DFG funding for wider purposes, which may be more appropriate for individuals than current arrangements on the DFG allow”

DCLG Letter to Chief Executives of Local Authorities / Registered Social Landlords – February 2008


Regulatory Reform Order

Prerequisites• There must be a formally adopted policy in place, which

sets out how the authority intends to use its powers;• There must be notice to the public that a policy is in force;• They must ensure that a copy of the full policy is available

to the public for free at the council offices;• There must be a summary document available on request



• Policy should be strategic linked to• Other Housing strategies• Aims of the BCF • Social Care and Health/Well-being strategies


Policies already in place

• Dispense with means test for smaller grants• Safe and Secure Grants• Hospital Discharge support • Relocation grants• Top ups for grants >£30k • Pooled budget- ramps



• So priority is to agree a policy and amend your local Private Sector Housing Policy.

• Are you considering this?• Have you already done it?


Workshop 2• We would like you to brainstorm the following:

• Ideas to amend your Private Sector Housing Policy• Tell us about policies already in place• Discuss as a group at table• Appoint spokesperson and feed back 1-2 ideas• Idea is to encourage and spread innovation

Become a DFG Champion


THANK YOU!

DFG Champions Roadshows - October 2016

Healthcare

Transcript of DFG Champions Roadshows - October 2016