A "massive improvement" in the system which provides home adaptations for residents with disabilities has helped cut waiting lists by more than half, councillors heard. Disability facilities grants (DFGs) - means-tested council grants of up to £30,000 for work to people's homes like ramps, rails, stairlifts, widened doors, heating or lighting controls and extensions - had a soaring waiting list and rising costs in 2024.

Stockton Council's people select committee heard on November 3 how the system was faring after it made a raft of recommendations to improve, using £2.2m in government funding this year. Sam Dixon, housing regeneration and investment manager, said residents had "massively" benefitted from the review: "When we first started this we were telling residents it was between 24 a

See Full Page