MORE people across Teignbridge will be able to access support to adapt, repair and improve their homes following changes to Teignbridge Council’s Housing Grants and Loans Policy.

The updated policy aims to make it easier for residents to get the help they need to live safely, independently and comfortably at home.

It also ensures available funding is used where it can help people the most.

Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) remain a key part of the assistance available to Teignbridge residents, helping to fund essential adaptations such as stairlifts, accessible bathrooms, ramps and other improvements that enable disabled people to remain safely in their own homes.

Depending on someone’s situation, DFG funding may cover some or all of the cost of the works, and the council will continue to prioritise these grants for eligible residents.

In addition, discretionary fast-track grants for stairlifts and bathroom adaptations are available to eligible residents and do not require a financial assessment. These grants can provide a quicker way to essential adaptations, helping people maintain their independence and quality of life.

The revised policy also expands the support available through Accessible Homes Grants.

These grants can provide additional funding where works cost more than a Disabled Facilities Grant will pay for.

They can also help people meet their contribution towards adaptation costs, fund feasibility work to explore available options, and provide support for residents who need to move to a more suitable home.

The changes will make the best use of Devon Better Care Funding while extending support to people with a wider range of housing needs.

Healthy Homes Grants have also been increased and can now help tackle a wider range of issues that affect residents’ health, safety and wellbeing, such as essential repairs and situations where hoarding has become an issue.

The council will continue to prioritise mandatory Disabled Facilities Grants for eligible residents. All discretionary grants will remain subject to available funding.

Homeowners looking to improve their properties can continue to access home improvement loans through Lendology.

A range of discretionary grants will also remain available for residents who do not qualify for Better Care Funding, helping ensure support reaches as many people as possible.

Alongside the changes, Teignbridge Council will continue to work closely with Teignbridge CVS to raise awareness of the assistance available.

The partnership helps residents, community groups and voluntary organisations access information about grants and loans and connect people with the support they need.

Councillor Richard Buscombe, Executive Member for Housing and Homelessness said: ‘The changes to the policy will make a real difference to people’s lives and help them get the funding they need to live independently, safely and comfortably in their homes.

‘Whether it’s funding for essential adaptations, repairs or help moving to more suitable accommodation, we want to ensure people can get the right support at the right time.

‘By improving access to grants and making the best use of available funding, we can help more residents maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.’