People who need adjustments to their homes can apply for funding to get essential works done in Reading.
Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) were first introduced in 1996 to help people get the funding to have enabling work done on their homes.
DFGs can be used for adaptations in owner‑occupied homes, private rented properties and social housing, including housing association and council tenancies. In council housing, the landlord council is responsible for organising adaptations, often using DFG funding behind the scenes rather than asking tenants to apply in the same way as private owners.
Information about DFGs was given at a presentation to Reading Borough Council’s Access and Disabilities Working Group.
The presentation was given 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.”
Furthermore, she mentioned that people can also get a grant totalling £10,000 for professional fees to undertake feasibility studies for requested works.
During the presentation, she was asked what budget the council had to make these adjustments for residents.
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, with 120 of these being granted.
This information was provided at the meeting on Thursday, June 18.
The home adjustments can be made for both adults and children.
You can find out more about DFGs on the council’s ‘housing adaptations and grants’ webpage.
Applications should be made to the council’s adult social care and children’s services departments.
Someone who has had difficulties with DFG is Dave Jurgensen, who is a housing association tenant in Luscinia View.
He was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects his speech and cognitive processing and, in turn, can interfere with physical abilities such as his grip.
Reports state Mr Jurgensen had applied for a DFG for his ground-floor flat, which includes a ramp to help him get in and out and washing facilities.
In a report from June 2023, the council stated that the work exceeded the maximum amount of £30,000 provided through a DFG.
At that time, his housing association Southern Housing said that it was in close contact with the council and a selected contractor to arrange the requested works.
In July 2022, the council was made to pay £3,000 to Mr Jurgensen after he complained about a delay in issuing his DFG.
