Funding Available for Home Adaptations in Reading

People who need home adjustments in Reading can apply for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) to get essential work done.

DFGs cover owner-occupied homes, private rented properties and social housing. In council housing the landlord usually organises adaptations, often using DFG funding rather than asking tenants to apply directly.

Information was given to Reading Borough Council's Access and Disabilities Working Group by Carla Thomas-Bellamy, the council's housing adaptations and grants team manager.

She said: "People in regular and social housing can apply for grants. The most common are accessible baths and stairlifts.

"The maximum amount for a grant is £30,000.

"There are also Discretionary Grants which are suited to local need.

"Stairlifts are fast-tracked and not means-tested."

There's also a grant of up to £10,000 for professional fees to fund feasibility studies for requested works.

The council has a maximum budget of £1.5 million for DFG works over the next three years.

In 2024/25 there were 176 applications for DFG works, of which 130 were approved. Last year, in 2025/26, there were 190 applications and 120 were granted.

This information was shared at the meeting on Thursday, June 18.

Adaptations can be made for both adults and children. More details are on the council's 'housing adaptations and grants' webpage and applications should be made via the council's adult social care and children's services departments.

One local example is housing association tenant Dave Jurgensen of Luscinia View. Born with cerebral palsy, which affects his speech, thinking and grip, he applied for a DFG for his ground-floor flat to add a ramp and washing facilities.

A June 2023 report said the work exceeded the £30,000 DFG maximum. Southern Housing said it was in close contact with the council and a selected contractor to arrange the works, and in July 2022 the council was made to pay Mr Jurgensen £3,000 after he complained about a delay in issuing his DFG.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter