council grant for fitting a downstairs toilet

[scarlyv]

Hi does anyone have experience of working with the council to get a grant to fit a downstairs loo?
We have been recommended by the OT for my daughter to have a downstairs loo, but the council seem to want us to use project management company called anchor who charge 15%. any information would help.

we are considering putting in an upstairs loo & shower for ds2 but need to get my head around the funding applciation process,so will watch this thread with interest.

Hi,

Just had our first meeting today with our countys project management company called "orbit". We are looking at having our garage converted into a downstairs bedroom and wetroom. Orbit charge 10% of the total cost of the build as their fees.

You don't have to use the PM company you can do it yourselves, we were intending to do it ourselves but circumstances have changed and we prefer Orbit to do it for us.

HTH

We wanted to do it ourselves but the council don't seem to know how this operates and are putting obstacles in our way all the time.

We had a downstairs shower room and toilet put in last year.

It was an exercise in utter frustration. I am very greatful for what we got but they waste so much money!

The first quote we had was from the council's surveyor. He made tons of ridiculous recommendations and told us it would cost 50k to get the work done . For a downstairs bloody bathroom!

I wonder if that price was due to the actual grant being for 25k so 'if you can just find the extra 25k we can go ahead'

As I understand it, you can use your own builder but you may not get any money released until all the work is done.
If you use the council's recommended builder they release money as it is needed.

Get lots of quotes and make sure you ask for a full breakdown. The council contractor wanted to charge £200 for a shower curtain (in a wet room which didnt even need a bloody shower curtain!). Toilet roll holders, loo seats etc were priced as £100, £50.

We were very lucky because we had a friend who was able to draw up the plans and project manage for us. Without him the whole thing wouldve cost us a lot more. Plans are often turned down.

I dont like the bathroom at all but its great for OH. I hate the fact its twice the size we need because it had to be big enough for OH's wheelchair. He doesnt actually use a wheelchair btw and if he did it would be too big for the bathroom because it would be a power rather than a manual.

Because all disabled people are the same arnt they? .

Sorry for rant. Its worth it in the end.

We are having my daughters bathroom redone shortly. This will be part funded by the council and part by a charity called Anchor Stay Put.

I'm interested in this, as I need a wet room because of my seizures, was recommended by the OT, but have never been told how to go about it.

Loudlass - your OT should - well in my team atleast - have referred you to either a social services OT who could do the DFG work, or to the Major Adaptations Team who will have OTs and people to manage the use of the DFG.

To me, it sounds like the use of these management companies is unfair as it will incurr you extra charges.

Don forget - you actually cant geta grant for work that has already been started - make sure they have confirmed this before you contact any builders.

I cant believe there is so much variation across the country.

ALso beware of hidden future costs such as servicing ceiling track hoists, adjustable washhand baisins, closmat toilets etc - as it just isnt covered by the grant, and once fitted it all becomes your responsibility. Bit of a shitter when the care agency then turn round and say they wont work unless the hoist is serviced every 6 months (as it should be).

Shout if anyone wants any advice! or just the opportunity to rant at an OT or to maybe get an understanding of processes.

I got referred on to the social services OT 2 years ago, who then phoned me and said that as I was under 60 they would 'get to me when they could' as over 60's took priority due to funding levels. Same as for providing me with a carer, which according to my care plan, I'm meant to have....

I work for a Council... we have a 'private sector housing team' who organise grants for people needing Disabled Facilities Grants. They are separate from the OT's, although they will also need a report from the OT to get the money. YOu could try phoning the council and asking them if they have such a team. If you live in a housing Association or Council property, then go to your HOusing Manager first, and then escalate it to the most senior person you can.

We had a dfg for double glazing. 3 quotes the council picked and instructed (!) the cheapest. I went ballistic - it is our house and I wanted one of the other quotes. Person who had been instructed got aggressive with me. I was very cross with council. Anyway we had the work done by my choice and we paid the difference betwen that and council's favourite.

It was long and stressful and I had to put in a complaint to get anything done. But it has been worth it - so much safer ancno broken (by head) windows since.

Loudlass - if you put a request for a dfg in then time limits kick in that the council gave to abide by. They are NOT means tested for children btw although my council pretended not to know that.