If you're disabled, adapting your current home may not work for you. It may not be physically practical or it may not be the most cost effective solution. In some cases, it may be more suitable to move to a new property, even if that too would need adaptations, to meet your current or future needs.
Eligibility
You must be eligible for the mandatory Disabled Facilities Grant.
We will also consider the following criteria:
- you need to move to give or receive care, or to receive medical treatment
- you need to move to maintain or gain employment
- the cost of works to your current property may exceed the benefits
- the cost of adaptations may exceed the total offer from grants, loans and contributions from other sources
- your tenancy is due to end and will not be renewed, or is otherwise unstable
- your relationship has broken down
- you wish to downsize
This is not an exhaustive list and other factors may be considered.
A grant of up to £7,000 can be provided towards reasonable moving costs. This includes costs such as legal fees or the use of a professional removal company. It will not be given towards the purchase price of an alternative property.
The amount of grant awarded will be determined on a case by case basis and will depend on:
- occupancy type (owner or tenant)
- location of the original and new properties
- the residual equity and any increased mortgage debt
- whether you are moving within the council’s jurisdiction or beyond
- whether the original property is unadaptable, unaffordable or poor value to adapt
- if moving is a result of a landlord’s refusal to permit adaptation
If you move within the local area, you can still apply for a mandatory Disabled Facilities Grant to adapt your new home. You could be awarded up to £30,000 but this could be reduced due to an assessed contribution.
This grant is available to home owners and tenants.
As there are too many factors to consider when assessing suitability, we do not have a fixed grant policy. We will consider each case on its own merits, alongside the guidance above and resources available.
Final approval of the award value will be given by a manager with the authority to approve works of that value.
Conditions
This grant is not means tested and there will be no land charge registered against the property.
You must be a permanent resident of Bracknell Forest and the property must be your current and intended permanent address.
A maximum of one application will be considered in any 5 year period.
How to apply
You can apply for Relocation Grant through the Disabled Facilities Grant service.
Funding will be awarded on a case by case basis at the discretion of the council’s senior management.
If you want to make an application for this grant, email dfg@bracknell-forest.gov.uk to request an application form.