Adaptations for people with disabilities

Council tenants

We may be able to adapt council properties to make them more accessible for tenants with disabilities. Adaptations can include ramps, handrails, showers and stairlifts. These works will only be undertaken if they have been assessed as necessary by Essex County Council’s Adult Social Care Department.

Applicants should contact the Occupational Therapy Service of the Adult Social Care Department to arrange an assessment.

Phone:  0208 508 9311

Email:   housingimprove@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Owner occupiers

Not everyone has the means to maintain and repair their home, and whilst the council believes that the primary responsibility for maintaining and repairing privately owned homes lies with their owners, we do have the ability to offer advice, information and some financial assistance to those most in need.

This grant is designed to provide essential facilities within the home and/or to allow essential adaptations to give better freedom of movement into and around the home and to essential facilities within it.

• Mandatory Grants of up to £25,000 are available (subject to a means test);

• Applicants must be registered, or eligible to be registered, as disabled;

• A report from an occupational therapist must be obtained.

In limited cases, a further discretionary grant may be awarded where the initial £25,000 is insufficient to carry out the work.

Grants are subject to conditions, and breach of these conditions may require the grant to be paid back in full. Copies of these additional conditions can be made available on request.