Why Labour must urgently improve Disabled Facilities Grants
Welsh Conservatives have slammed the Labour government’s attitude towards Disabled Facilities Grants and called for urgent consistency in the scheme’s delivery.
The Shadow Local Government Minister has labelled Labours’ approach ‘lazy’ and accused the minister of dismissing the most recent report on the issue.
A Review of Independent Living Adaptations was published earlier this year. Responding to its recommendations, Welsh Conservatives called for:
• Local authorities to work with social landlords to produce a customer charter setting out commitments in relation to adaptation services
• Work between local authorities and social housing providers to set out delivery time standards and ensure that they are met by all local authorities
• Mechanisms to monitor customer satisfaction and longer-term outcomes
• Audit adaptation services to identify best practice and its implementation
Despite this, further Labour government action has yet to be taken and, responding to Welsh Conservatives, the Minister has dismissed responsibility for Disabled Facilities Grants:
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): What steps is the Welsh Government taking to ensure a more consistent approach across Wales to the average number of days taken to deliver Disabled Facilities Grants? (WAQ68419)
Lesley Griffiths: The responsibility for the administration of Disabled Facilities Grants and delivery is essentially a matter for Local Authorities to consider. However, the report on Independent Living Adaptations which was published on 23 January and debated in Plenary on 03 February, covers this matter and other issues relating to adaptations. Officials from across the Welsh Government are looking at ways of improving delivery of adaptations in general.
Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Local Government, Janet Finch-Saunders AM, said:
“Labour’s whole approach to home adaptation is lazy and vague.
“Swift improvements are clearly needed and report after report, inquiry after inquiry, has recommended urgent action to assist those most in need.
“This is about basic equipment, adaption and aids that can make life easier and safer for the elderly and those with sensory impairments and disabilities.
“It is much needed intervention that often prevents falls and further health or mobility issues. Yet Labour ministers continue to sit on their hands.”
Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Communities, Mark Isherwood AM, said:
“Minimising the impact of disability, enhancing independence and enabling people to continue living in their own home – these are hugely important issues that Labour must act upon and improve.
“An Assembly committee has recently heard from those experiencing real problems and it’s clear that the current fragmented system simply isn’t fit for purpose.
“Instead of shifting responsibility and blame elsewhere, Labour ministers should be tackling these problems head-on.”