FAMILIES in need of home adaptations could benefit from up to £40,000 in grants as Barrow Borough Council pledges £900,000 in disability facilities grants.

The changes will see the council offering applicants a discretionary £10,000 'top up' to the statutory sum of £30,000, which is provided from central government, to help people with disabilities make adaptations to their homes by building wet rooms and extensions.

Councillors are hoping they will have the capacity to offer funding to around 100 families in need across the borough.

The move has been welcomed by Margaret Burrow, the chief executive of Barrow and District Disability Association, who says funding is important, "especially with an ageing community like Barrow."

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She said: "I hate it when I hear of older people who have to use a commode downstairs because they can't get up their stairs, it's so undignifed."

"This news is wonderful for people. Especially as we've got double the average amount of people with disabilities, and it isn't cheap to be disabled."

Mrs Burrow said she would be happy to offer anyone considering applying for the grant support and assistance but said she feared a number of elderly residents would not even think of applying for help.

"They have been brought up to be very proud and think they don't need charity.

"Well this is not charity, this is their right, this a national right," she added.

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Council leader Dave Pidduck also praised the changes, saying they were about making funds "more accessible" to to people.

He said: "They help people with disabilities to live in their own home and to live comfortably.

"At one time there was a cap so we were trying to make this more accessible to people and are encouraging people to apply and take full advantage of this.

"We want people to live as normal a life as possible and we think there is an untapped demand for this."

What the changes actually mean

Any families or individuals who think they might need to make adaptations to their home should contact Adult or Children's Services at Cumbria County Council, who will organise a visit with Occupational Health on behalf of Barrow Borough Council.

Anyone needing an alteration costing up to £5,000 will not need to have a financial assessment.

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Those with complex needs who require more adaptations can apply for up to £40,000, £30,00 coming from the pot of money allocated from central government and £10,000 from Barrow Borough Council, who have set aside £900,000 for the scheme.

There will be no means testing for those seeking adaptations up to £30,000 if the adaptations are for a child.

Barrow council are encouraging local GPs to refer patients they think are in need.