Disabled Facilities Grants - Law and Policy

Overview

The law relating to disabled facilities grant provision is complex and in some cases has been imperfectly framed. This seminar seeks to explain in detail the legislation relating to grants and to bring it together with guidance from the DCLG.

The seminar also discusses current policy issues within this field, such as discretionary schemes run by authorities, which forms should be used and what information gathered, preliminary means-tests, the role of agencies, future funding of the scheme, placing charges on properties, etc. Although there is reference to some issues within the means-test this is not a course about means-testing.

Course purpose

To equip anyone needing to know the details of disabled facilities grants legislation with that knowledge and to provide an opportunity to compare practice and policies with others working in this field. The relevant parts of the 1996 Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act, as well as the various orders issued under that Act, will be fully dealt with, as will DCLG guidance and other circulars.

Course objectives

By the end of this course participants will be able to:

• Understand how the legislation works
• Navigate the legislation
• Deal with complex situations
• Decide which forms to use and what information to collect
• Be aware of current policy issues within this field, including, in England, the Better Care Fund

Course structure

• On screen presentations
• Demonstration examples
• Open discussion

During parts of the course reference will be made to the Ferret Renovation Grants Law and Guidance CD publication to highlight particular areas.

Who this course is for

The course is suitable for those with an interest in these areas of policy and administration, either as front-line practitioners or as managers. It is not suitable for those with limited experience in this area.

Who this course is not for

Anyone new to disabled facilities grants. Those wishing an introduction to the means-test should attend the Introductory course. Anyone who is experienced in that area but wishes to discuss the finer points of means-testing (as they should consider either the Intermediate or Advanced courses).

Course Feedback

Tutor – Clive Martin

Fantastic trainer. Informative and very knowledgeable – A1 Housing
Very knowledgeable and interested in the subject area – Selby DC
Entertaining & Informative – South Tyneside Council
Brilliant tutor, clear, concise and fun too. – Eastbourne BC
Clive was very informative and engaging – Colchester BC
Excellent style of teaching – Warwick DC

Disabled Facilities Grants Law & Policy

Very much enjoyed the day with the balance of theory and discussion of examples – Hyndburn BC
Very enjoyable. Trainer helps the course be more enjoyable with his big clever humour. Extremely knowledgeable. Information we can trust. Great handouts. Thank you. – Watford BC
Very comprehensive and enjoyable – LB of Bexley
Very educational and entertaining at the same time! – Aster Living Care & Repair