extension

[taylorcat]

I think I've managed to talk my Dad into coming to stay with me and we can put an extension on for him to have his own space if he wants.

What I want to know is would he qualify for a grant for this even though he owns his house.

I'll phone on Monday and find out but I just wondered if anyone had experience of this?

 

[jenniferpa]

Dear Taylorcat,

Are you talking about putting an extension on YOUR house? And your father owns a totally different house?

 

[taylorcat]

Yes, Jennifer.

 

[jenniferpa]

Have you seen this http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2003/09/18303/27476

Although it's directed more at making a property habitable, it also relates to making a house significantly more accessible for a disabled person. Now the question, I think, is whether your father could be classified as disabled. If he did, theoretically, if a grant was given it would come under the "minimum percentage grant"

According to http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/47176/0028734.pdf
councils must give a grant (within the limits of their budget whatever that means)
"installing any additional standard amenities which are
needed because a disabled occupant cannot use the
existing ones"

My personal feeling is that "within the limits of their budget" is a weasel phrase which will probably mean you'll be out of luck, but maybe you won't be.

Best wishes

 

[Margarita]

Found the UK , so shall post it anyway

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/HomeAndHousingOptions/YourHome/DG_4000642

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/HomeAndHousingOptions/YourHome/DG_4016448

 

[taylorcat]

Thanks for the helpful links.

I'm just thinking. I would probably have to have an extension put on sometime in the future anyway since my son has special needs and there will come a time when he wants his independence and this would be ideal.

I wonder if I should mention this when phoning or indeed state that the extension would be for his benefit, although with him only being 12 I don't know if that would work.

 

[jenniferpa]

Actually that might work better - I vaguely remember reading a couple of years ago that they had changed the rules to allow parents to apply for this on their children's behalf. That may have been England though but I'll see if I can find the link.

 

[taylorcat]

That would be great, Jennifer. Although I don't know if because he's only 12 just now they might think I'm mad. I could say I want piece of mind for the future, which I do really.

 

[jenniferpa]

Have you ever dealt with builders? He could easily be 18 before they finish this proposed extension I haven't found the thing I was looking for I'm afraid.

 

[taylorcat]

Good point. I must just go down that route or I might even just tell them the truth that it is for my Dad at the moment but would be for my son's use in future.

I'll have a look about and see if I can find anything out.

Thanks