Agenda item

Executive Summary

The current mandatory Discretionary Facilities Grant (DFG) service delivered by the Integrated Housing Adaptations Team (IHAT) is valued, effective and efficient.

Demand for mandatory DFGs is increasing due to an increasing older population and the desire by many people with disabilities and long term health conditions to remain in their own home rather than in residential or nursing care.

A Discretionary DFG Policy is needed to widen the scope and services available through the DFG process. It will offer an early intervention service and contribute to the resolution of cases that require works outside the scope of the current DFG fund. A Discretionary DFG Policy will reduce the formal process and enable adaptations to be progressed more quickly for those with life limiting conditions.

Overall the Discretionary DFG Policy will widen the DFG offer, improve customer service, reduce DFG process wait times and support the promotion of independent living.

Options considered

Not to adopt a Discretionary DFG Policy - not recommended

Whilst there is no legal requirement for North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) to have a Discretionary DFG Policy, without one the DFG funding can only be used to fund eligible, mandatory DFG works. There is evidence of unmet need amongst clients who require adaptations that are outside the financial or eligible scope of current mandatory DFG works.

Without a Discretionary DFG Policy, NNDC would not be able to access designated additional Better Care Fund funding for the period 2023 – 2025 as this is specifically for discretionary DFG works and is conditional on the Council having a Discretionary DFG Policy. The exact amount is to be confirmed but it is believed to be around £240,000 for the period 2023 – 2025.

To adopt the Discretionary DFG Policy and utilise the additional Better Care Fund for the period 2023 – 2025 to allocation to expand the current DFG service to meet identified and unmet need. - Recommended

NNDC will not be able to access the additional Better Care Fund discretionary allocation without a Discretionary DFG Policy. The Discretionary elements identified within the Policy are believed to be those that will have the most positive benefit for residents, will meet current unmet need and which can be delivered at this time within existing staff capacity and resources.

The Discretionary DFG Policy will be reviewed annually and recommendations for change made if appropriate.

Consultation(s)

Cllr Wendy Fredericks, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Peoples’ Services

Recommendations

Recommendation - Cabinet to adopt the Discretionary DFG Policy.

Reasons for recommendations

To enhance and improve DFG provision with the aim of promoting independent living and wellbeing.

To increase the range of DFG Services that are available and to enhance the existing services offered to meet unmet need.

Background papers

Adult social care system reform: next steps to put People at the Heart of Care

NNDC Discretionary DFG Policy

Wards affected

All wards in North Norfolk

Cabinet member(s)

Cllr Wendy Fredericks

Contact Officer

Sonia Shuter, Early Help & Prevention Manager sonia.shuter@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Links to key documents:

Corporate Plan:         

Quality of Life

Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)                                

No

Council Policies & Strategies

Discretionary

Corporate Governance:

Is this a key decision 

 No

Has the public interest test been applied

Yes

Details of any previous decision(s) on this matter

None