Farron welcomes extra funding for disability across the South Lakes

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed news that an additional £50,000 is being invested by the Government in the Disabled Facilities Grant in South Lakeland to help people remain independent in their own homes for longer.

Last year South Lakeland was allocated £242,000 in 2011/12 and now has government has allocated an extra £49,533 to help support disabled people. This means that council has £291,533 now. This extra funding will help the council to support local people across the South Lakes with disabilities to retain their independence by making it easier to get in and out of or around their homes, for example by installing a ramp, stair lift or downstairs bathroom. It can also cover smaller changes such as adapting heating or lighting controls so they are easier to use.

In October the Coalition Government launched a £300m Care and Support Housing Fund to stimulate the market for specialised housing, to help older and disabled adults continue to live independently at home.

The extra money brings the total spend on Disabled Facilities Grant to £785m from 2010/11 to 2014/15.

Commenting, Tim Farron said: "Independence is vital for people with disabilities, so it must be a priority that we do all we can to ensure that they are able to do things for themselves and live in their own homes.

"Often it is small practical changes that can make all the difference, so this money will play a huge role in supporting people living with disabilities across the South Lakes to allow them to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible."

Liberal Democrat Care Minister Norman Lamb said: "For people with disabilities and older people, even the simplest things such as walking, getting up the stairs and climbing in and out of the bathtub can become difficult.

"We know that most people want to remain independent and be supported in their own home as far as possible. This funding will help people make the necessary practical changes to help them remain in their own home and postpone or even prevent the development of serious health and care needs.

"An adaptation can make a huge difference to the life of an older person by helping them access all facilities and all parts of their home safely and independently."