Views sought on proposed house help policy changes

Residents are to have their say on proposed changes to a policy that sets out what financial help could be available to support with home adaptations.

The Private Sector Housing Assistance Policy (PSHAP) was designed to help people live independently and focus money on those with the greatest need, City of Wolverhampton Council said.

The changed draft policy "proposes a wider, clearer range of discretionary support" alongside a mandatory offer of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG).

Proposals include bringing back discretionary grants, updated rules about eligibility across those grants and removing "age-based criteria". The consultation will end on 13 July.

The wording of the policy has been changed to reflect current law, best practice and local priorities.

The council said its PSHAP "sets out what financial help may be available to support eligible residents with home adaptations, improvements and essential works", including DFGs and "discretionary assistance".

The policy was also designed to support timely discharge from hospital and ensure budgets were used responsibly, it added.

Council deputy leader and cabinet member for city housing, Steve Evans, said the authority wanted to ensure PSHAP was "clear, fair, and focused on helping those who need support most".

"It explains the types of help the council can offer to support residents to improve their homes, making them safer, better suited to their needs, and easier to live in independently."

The consultation was an opportunity for "residents, carers, professionals, community organisations, and other partners to help shape the final approach", he added.

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