Mid Ulster Councillor Nuala McLernon says grant needs to reflect reality facing families and individuals relying on support
Sinn Féin Councillor Nuala McLernon has welcomed the review announced by the Department of Communities into the Disabled Facilities Grant.
Speaking after the announcement, Councillor McLernon said: “I welcome the Minister for Communities, alongside the Minister of Health, review into the Housing Executive’s Disabled Facilities Grant, but it is essential that this review reflects the reality facing families and individuals who rely on this support.
"I have continuously raised the need to increase the Disabled Facilities Grant. In March I brought a motion to Mid Ulster Council, which passed, calling for an increase in the grant’s maximum threshold.
"Too many families are now being forced to delay vital home adaptations, or go without them altogether, because available funding does not match medical professional recommendations due to rising construction and material costs. Funding needs to reflect the reality of the here and now.”
Councillor McLernon added that while construction and labour costs have risen significantly in recent years, the grant cap has remained unchanged.