NEW arrangements pledge to give disabled facilities grant (DFG) applicants more choice.

Local authorities across Gloucestershire introduced the measure on Tuesday following the closure of the county-wide home improvement agency Mears - Safe at Home at the end of July.

Councils will still be responsible for processing grant applications, however, rather than residents being assigned builders and project managers for home improvements, councils will now give people more choice in this matter.

Working together, the councils are directing residents to a new housing grants web page which will provide access to a list of builders, equipment specialists and agents who are familiar with the grant processes.

Eligibility for inclusion on the central list will require either a good track record for carrying out grant-related work or acceptable references.

Cllr Stephen Hirst, Cotswold District Council’s cabinet member for supporting people and safeguarding, said: "Residents eligible for DFGs will be able to obtain the information they need to make choices about who they appoint to do the work and will also have more control over how and when the works are carried out.

“As well as helping residents with their DFG applications, the new website pages also provides more general guidance for home owners about repair and maintenance, and advice about other funds which may be available for improvements.”

Anyone applying for a DFG will still need to be referred by an occupational therapist.

Contact 01452 426868 to make a referral.