We have a mandatory duty under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 to provide a minimum of 80% grant funding for disabled adaptation work. This percentage may be increased to a maximum of 100% where the applicant receives certain qualifying benefits. These are:
- guaranteed pension credit
- income based job seekers allowance
- income support
- employment and support allowance
The statutory duty to provide 80% grant assistance extends to tenants living in private rented housing. The aim of including private landlord tenanted property is to assist both homeowners and private tenants to live independently in their own homes, within their own communities.
As well as supporting owners to retain their independence living in their homes, East Ayrshire Council is mindful of the Scottish Government’s statement that owners have a personal responsibility for their own housing. The package of assistance made available to each applicant will therefore be tailored to suit the individual needs of each applicant.
A duty has also been placed on the Local Authorities to ensure that where essential adaptation works are not covered by grant, owners receive proper advice on funding the work required.
Applicants will be given initial assistance to plan how they wish to progress through any adaptation work proposals via their Occupational Therapist and specialist Adaptation Officers working for the Health and Social Care Partnership