DfC consultation on home improvement grants highlights challenge of sourcing architects

The Department for Communities (DfC) has launched a public consultation on ten proposals aimed at improving the administration of grants for private sector home repairs and adaptations, including helping applicants to source architects more easily.

Ten proposals

Guided by two intended outcomes – quicker access to grant funding and a more user-friendly customer journey – the Department has set out ten proposals to reform Private Sector Home Improvement Grants:

1. Simplify applications and financial assessments by better using existing data and reducing evidence requirements.
2. Update financial rules and grant thresholds, review the maximum Disabled Facilities Grant every three years and provide an online eligibility calculator.
3. Review applicant support, including help to find architects and contractors.
4. Remove the legal requirement for a contractor’s estimate at the application stage.
5. Formalise an accelerated process for exceptional, time-critical Disabled Facilities Grant cases.
6. Allow consideration of adaptations in both homes where a disabled child lives with parents under 50/50 shared custody arrangements.
7. Explore recoverable assistance for applicants unable to afford their contribution towards essential adaptations.
8. Explore recovering grant funding when a property is sold within a specified period after a Disabled Facilities Grant award.
9. Review the Mandatory Repair Grant and consider a more flexible approach to essential home repairs.
10. Replace existing discretionary grants (Renovation Grant, Replacement Grant and Home Repair Assistance Grant) with a single targeted statutory scheme for exceptional circumstances.

Sourcing architects

Architects are referenced several times in the consultation, particularly in relation to the Disabled Facilities Grant.

The document confirms that architects’ plans are required for major adaptations, with plans reviewed by the relevant Occupational Therapist and Housing Executive Technical Officer. As per Proposal 3, the consultation also identifies finding an architect as one of the challenges applicants may face during the grant process.

The Department therefore intends to review the support available to applicants, including through Home Improvement Agencies and other partners, to help people access architects and contractors more easily and reduce delays.

Have your say

The consultation closes on Monday 28 December 2026.

The full consultation details can be accessed here.

RSUA is preparing a response to the consultation. If you would like to share your views, please contact Curtis Large, RSUA Policy and Public Affairs Officer, at curtis@rsua.org.uk