Menu
04/12/2003
Minister announces home disability grant
Social Development Minister, John Spellar today announced the abolition of the means test for parents of disabled children who apply for Disabled Facilities Grant for help with the costs of adapting their homes.
The Disabled Facilities Grant is intended to make the home of a person with a disability suitable for their needs. Administered by the Housing Executive it is open to people who own their home, landlords and private sector tenants.
Commenting on the decision, Mr Spellar said: "There is a strong moral argument for ensuring that any barriers disabled children may face in getting facilities they need are removed. The principle of exempting children from charges is already firmly established in a number of other policy areas, such as dental, ophthalmic and pharmaceutical services.
"From early next year the means test for parents of children with disabilities who apply for the Disabled Facilities Grant will be abolished."
The decision follows the establishment of a working group in April 2003 by the Department for Social Development.
"I am indebted to the working group for their time and effort in looking at the issue and identifying the disadvantage that these children experience and I am glad that I have been given the opportunity of putting that right," Mr Spellar added.
Des Browne, the former NIO Minister with responsibility for Social Development, established the working group in April 2003.
(MB)
The Disabled Facilities Grant is intended to make the home of a person with a disability suitable for their needs. Administered by the Housing Executive it is open to people who own their home, landlords and private sector tenants.
Commenting on the decision, Mr Spellar said: "There is a strong moral argument for ensuring that any barriers disabled children may face in getting facilities they need are removed. The principle of exempting children from charges is already firmly established in a number of other policy areas, such as dental, ophthalmic and pharmaceutical services.
"From early next year the means test for parents of children with disabilities who apply for the Disabled Facilities Grant will be abolished."
The decision follows the establishment of a working group in April 2003 by the Department for Social Development.
"I am indebted to the working group for their time and effort in looking at the issue and identifying the disadvantage that these children experience and I am glad that I have been given the opportunity of putting that right," Mr Spellar added.
Des Browne, the former NIO Minister with responsibility for Social Development, established the working group in April 2003.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 April 2024
Work To Begin On New North Belfast Housing Development
The Department for Communities that preparatory works has now begun for the physical redevelopment of the Adam Street site on Duncairn Gardens in North Belfast. As a result of extensive public consultation, social housing will be provided through a residential-led regeneration scheme.
Work To Begin On New North Belfast Housing Development
The Department for Communities that preparatory works has now begun for the physical redevelopment of the Adam Street site on Duncairn Gardens in North Belfast. As a result of extensive public consultation, social housing will be provided through a residential-led regeneration scheme.
09 April 2024
Police Attacked By Young People In West Belfast
The PSNI have condemned the assault of four police officers when they were attacked by young people in West Belfast. At around 6:50pm on Saturday, 06 April, police received a report in relation to community concerns that a large group of young people had congregated in Falls Park and that alcohol was being consumed by children.
Police Attacked By Young People In West Belfast
The PSNI have condemned the assault of four police officers when they were attacked by young people in West Belfast. At around 6:50pm on Saturday, 06 April, police received a report in relation to community concerns that a large group of young people had congregated in Falls Park and that alcohol was being consumed by children.
26 March 2024
Health And Social Care Easter Arrangements Outlined
The Department of Health has announced arrangements for health and social care services over the Easter holiday period, encouraging everyone to look after themselves, both physically and mentally.
Health And Social Care Easter Arrangements Outlined
The Department of Health has announced arrangements for health and social care services over the Easter holiday period, encouraging everyone to look after themselves, both physically and mentally.
25 March 2024
New £70m Social Care Support Package
A new £70 million social care support package has been announced by Health Minister Robin Swann. The funding will help independent sector organisations deal with rising costs from the start of the new financial year, particularly forthcoming minimum wage increases.
New £70m Social Care Support Package
A new £70 million social care support package has been announced by Health Minister Robin Swann. The funding will help independent sector organisations deal with rising costs from the start of the new financial year, particularly forthcoming minimum wage increases.
22 March 2024
Ministers Commit To Delivery Of Key Social And Economic Projects
The Infrastructure and Finance Ministers have outlined their joint commitment to delivering projects that will bring social and economic benefits for communities across the north.
Ministers Commit To Delivery Of Key Social And Economic Projects
The Infrastructure and Finance Ministers have outlined their joint commitment to delivering projects that will bring social and economic benefits for communities across the north.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:This evening will be dry. The rest of the night will remain dry with variable amounts of cloud and some clear periods. Light southwesterly winds. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
