Welsh scrap means test for adaptations

Disability groups in Wales have welcomed the Welsh assembly’s
decision to scrap the means test that stopped some disabled
children from receiving free adaptations to their homes.

The move, recommended by a review of the disability facilities
grant, should help the families of about 250 disabled children a
year receive grants to cover the full costs of adaptations,
regardless of their income.

The assembly pays £33.5m of disability facilities grants every
year to 5,000 people.

Minister for social justice and regeneration Edwina Hart said:
“Parents with children who have disabilities already face many
day-to-day challenges. In simplifying the system, we hope to make
one aspect of their lives easier and level the playing field for
all.”

Disability Wales said it had campaigned for the scrapping of the
“grossly unjust” means test for some time and called for England
and Scotland to follow suit.

“This decision is an important first step in providing
comprehensive, equitable and accessible housing for disabled people
in Wales,” it said.