SCREENING
Housing Assistance Policy 2026
Last updated 30 April 2026
The assessment
New or existing service or policy?
New
Directorate/service area
Housing and Planning
Officer(s) responsible for:
- Service/policy/project: Richard Osborne, Principal Environmental Health Officer (Housing and Water Management)
- Completing equality impact assessment: Richard Osborne, Principal Environmental Health Officer (Housing and Water Management)
Date
30 April 2026
What is the purpose? What are the outcomes?
The policy provides the framework setting out delivery of mandatory and discretionary grants for property adaptations, repairs and improvements. The outcomes are the provision of adaptations for persons with disabilities so they can continue to live safely in their own homes. Repairs to homes where the owner-occupiers cannot afford enables people to continue to live in their own homes. The grants are generally means-tested providing for people who cannot afford these essential works themselves.
Are there any statutory requirements? Who are the main customer groups / stakeholders?
Under the Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, mandatory disabled facilities grants for disabled persons are the majority of service users.
Who is intended to benefit from this service/policy? How will they benefit?
The majority of the policy is covering disabled persons having appropriate adaptations to their homes that they cannot themselves afford. In addition the discretionary grants for home repairs and improvements will support homeowners who cannot themselves afford essential works or improvements that support them continuing to live in their own homes.
What information are you using? What does the evidence show you?
Demographic data and existing service demand demonstrate the need to meet statutory requirement to provide the mandatory Disabled Facilities Grants.
What impact does the service/policy/project have on the following equality strands?
Protected characteristics: definitions
Before the Equality Act 2010, there were 3 separate public sector equality duties covering race, disability, and gender. The Equality Act 2010 replaced these with a new single equality duty covering the following protected characteristics.
| Characteristic and definition | Impact and evidence |
|---|---|
|
1. Age |
Positive: Many of the persons being assisted are aged over 60 with deteriorating health conditions that triggers their status to be considered as eligible for a disabled facilities grant. |
|
2. Disability |
Positive: Persons with protected characteristic of disability are provided with home adaptations they need and with a service that supports their application for works. |
|
3. Gender Reassignment |
Neutral: the policy does not have any basis of determining support or not in respect of this protected characteristic. |
|
4. Marriage and Civil Partnership |
Neutral: the policy does not have any basis of determining support or not in respect of this protected characteristic. |
|
5. Pregnancy and Maternity |
Neutral: the policy does not have any basis of determining support or not in respect of this protected characteristic. |
|
6. Race |
Neutral: The policy does not have any basis of determining support or not in respect of this protected characteristic. In practical terms the service delivering the policy does monitor race and ensures any communication issues are identified and actively overcome. Gypsy and travellers are supported in provision of adaptations to separate toilet and washing facilities in amenity blocks if required. |
|
7. Religion of belief |
Neutral: the policy does not have any basis of determining support or not in respect of this protected characteristic. |
|
8. Sex |
Neutral: the policy does not have any basis of determining support or not in respect of this protected characteristic. |
|
9. Sexual Orientation |
Neutral: the policy does not have any basis of determining support or not in respect of this protected characteristic. |
|
Other e.g. deprivation, health inequalities, urban/rural divide, community safety |
Positive Evidence: The policy provides for works that people could not themselves afford. in this respect there is a positive impact in regard of deprivation. Works can include for security measures and any installation of doors and windows will promote security and have a positive impact on crime reduction. Health inequalities are a primary reason to ensure delivery of the adaptation works to support those on lower incomes with health issues through the Disabled Facilities Grants. |
Review
Can any differential impact be justified? (for example, promoting equality of opportunity)
Yes, persons with their own funding are not supported but can fund themselves.
Does any adverse impact amount to unlawful discrimination?
No
What alternative actions could be taken to mitigate any adverse impact? (Add these to the action plan)
Not applicable
Consultation
Detail any specific consultation on this service/policy (if there is insufficient data, further consultation will need to be undertaken and included in the action plan)
Service users, Worcestershire Councils Private Sector Housing managers and the service providers have been consulted with over time on how the service is delivered and the policy over several versions over the past years. This has enabled a common Worcestershire-wide policy to be developed.
Conclusion
Can the service/policy proceed?
Yes
How will the service/policy be monitored and reviewed? (please give a timescale)
A quarterly board meeting of the district councils in the collaborative agreement will be monitoring the service and receiving reports from the service and feedback from users through customer satisfaction surveys and complaints will also be monitored. Reports will include data on age, race and health status characteristics.
Is a full assessment required?
No
Signed: Richard Osborne, Principal Environmental Health Officer (Housing & Water Management)
Date: 30 April 2026