Tendring District Council (TDC) has approved major improvements to its housing grants policy, making it easier for residents to access vital support that helps them remain safe, independent and well at home.

Leading councillors agreed a revised Financial Assistance Policy for Housing, updating the council’s approach to providing Disabled Facilities Grants and other forms of housing related financial assistance, at a Cabinet meeting earlier this year.

The policy, which comes into effect from 1 April, sets out how funding from the Government’s Better Care Fund is used to support residents with disabilities and long term health needs.

The grants help pay for essential home adaptations such as wet rooms, stairlifts and ramps, as well as works that can prevent hospital admissions or help people return home more quickly, including heating replacements.

Existing Disabled Facilities Grant applicants do not need to do anything as the team will contact them directly in due course to advise them on any changes to their application process.

In 2024/25, 155 households benefited from this support, with £1.48million in grants agreed. For the current financial year, the council received £2.8million from the Better Care Fund to continue delivering this assistance.

The newly approved policy removes long standing barriers that have prevented some residents from accessing help.

In particular, it removes means testing for mandatory Disabled Facilities Grants for adults, increases maximum grant levels for discretionary assistance and removes repayment conditions for most owner occupiers.

It also introduces new options, including a Help to Move Grant for residents whose homes cannot be adapted, and renewed renovation assistance to support wider social care needs.

Councillor Andy Baker, TDC Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, said the improvements would have a meaningful impact for residents.

“For many people, these grants are genuinely life changing. They can mean the difference between struggling at home and living safely and independently – or between staying in hospital and getting back where you belong.

“This new policy builds on outdated national rules that no longer reflect the reality of modern living costs. By removing unnecessary barriers, we’re ensuring help is based on need rather than red tape, and that the funding we receive benefits as many Tendring residents as possible.

“At its heart, this policy is about making sure people get the support they need, when they need it. It strengthens the help available to households facing difficult circumstances, ensuring the council is responsive, fair and compassionate in how it provides assistance.

“Residents should feel confident that when they come to us, we are ready to act and able to make a meaningful difference. Supporting people early and effectively prevents small issues from becoming much larger ones – helping individuals and families directly, while also reducing pressure on essential services.

“Most importantly, this approach reflects our values as a council. We want a district where people feel secure, included, and able to maintain their wellbeing.”

To support increased take up, the council is restructuring its Housing Grants team and will continue funding a dedicated occupational therapist to speed up assessments and delivery.

A further report will be brought to Cabinet later in 2026 to explore using any future underspend on wider social care capital projects that support residents with disabilities.