A council team dedicated to improving homes for disabled people has been recognised as one of the most responsive in the UK, turning around vital housing adaptations at an exceptional pace.
Published: Tuesday, 6th May 2025
In 2024-2025, Cherwell District Council’s housing grants team invested £1.22 million of government funding in adaptations to disabled residents’ homes.
They installed 194 adaptations, with the average major adaptation taking just three months from referral to completion. This makes Cherwell one of the best performing councils in the country, as measured against national best practice targets.
Councillor Nick Cotter, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “People with disabilities can benefit hugely from housing with specialist adaptations to meet their needs. The latest reporting data show that our council is achieving this quickly and effectively. From simple jobs like a handrail to major works like a walk-in bathroom, the correct adaptations allow people to live more happily and safely in their own homes.
“As well as empowering our individuals, investments in disabled adaptations are incredibly cost-effective. We estimate that every £1 of government grant money spent on something like a stairlift delivers a saving of around £3.50 to the NHS by preventing accidents such as falls and supporting people to leave hospital sooner.”
One of the smallest but most cost-effective adaptations the council makes is installing a key safe so that a carer or nurse can securely enter a disabled person’s home. For a cost of £50 to the council, a key safe can save the NHS hundreds of pounds each day by helping to free up hospital beds.
Major works can be funded up to the value of £30,000 and can include adaptations such as extensions, stairlifts and step-free showers.
For people who believe they might benefit from disabled facilities adaptations, the first step is to contact occupational health at Oxfordshire County Council. Following an assessment, eligible residents are then given a referral to Cherwell’s housing team.
Cherwell’s housing officers work to make remove barriers for their clients, guiding them through the entire process from applying for the funding to design, appointing a contractor, and overseeing, and approving the works.
Adaptations can be made to social housing, privately rented housing, and owner-occupied housing.
For more information visit www.cherwell.gov.uk/dfg