Over £60,000 has been received by South Cambridgeshire District Council to help adapt properties so that people can live safely in their own homes for longer.

The £62,000 payment for South Cambridgeshire was part of a £40 million sum paid to councils by the Government today.

The extra government funding means £570,000 is budgeted this financial year to improve the quality of life for residents who are disabled and need improvements or adaptations made to their home.

South Cambridgeshire District Council supports the Cambridgeshire Home Improvement Agency, which helps local residents to apply for the Council’s disabled facilities grants and manages works from start to completion. Work can range from fitting ramps and grab rails, to widening doorways and fitting accessible kitchens and bathrooms.

To apply for funding you must first request an assessment by an occupational therapist by calling Cambridgeshire Direct on 0345 045 5202. If your needs are appropriate you will then be referred to the Home Improvement Agency to assess if you are eligible for a grant and start the funding application procedure for you. This will include a means test to see if you need to make a contribution towards the cost of the works.

The Agency also helps residents apply for charitable funding, or to complete work with their own money, where they don’t qualify for grant assistance.

Cllr Mark Howell, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s cabinet member for housing, said:

I’m very pleased that we’ve been awarded this extra contribution from Government as adaptations have a direct impact on improving the quality of residents’ lives. Most people want to remain as independent as possible and this can be the key to helping them live in their own homes safely for longer.

For more information about grants and the Cambridgeshire Home Improvement Agency on 03450 450 063 or visit the web site.