Oxford's award-winning housing support recognised by parliamentary inquiry visit

The purpose of the visit was to learn about exemplary work being done by Oxford City Council to support older, disabled and vulnerable residents adapt and repair their homes so they can live independently.

The council’s award-winning Home Improvement Agency (HIA) ensures that older, disabled and vulnerable residents have the support they need to live comfortably, safely and independently in their own homes. The visit, which included MPs Clive Betts and Nadia Whittome, was part of research for a parliamentary inquiry on the Disabled Facilities Grant and related reforms.

Oxford City Council’s HIA service offers grants, low-cost loans and services to older, disabled or vulnerable residents who need help repairing, maintaining or adapting their home to make them safer or more independent. This can be simple changes like handrails, energy saving adaptations to help keep warm, or larger adaptations such as stairlifts or level access showers.

The cross-party group of MPs met with Council Leader Susan Brown, Chief Executive Caroline Green and Home Improvement Agency Manager Becky Walker, as well as staff from the HIA. They also met with residents who have been helped by the HIA to talk about their experiences. 

Cllr Hannah Dalton, housing spokesperson for the District Councils’ Network, said:

“We thank Committee members for visiting Oxford today to meet with councils and residents to discuss the challenges facing people with disabilities in the housing sector.

“We heard the excellent work which Oxford City Council is doing to support their residents with disabilities and want to see the removal of the barriers which means people elsewhere may not always receive similar support.

“The DCN continues to call on the Government to increase the Disabled Facilities Grant which will enable people to get the home improvements they need. It’s evident from today’s discussions that more needs to be done to encourage housing associations and private landlords to permit adaptations.”

 Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council said:

"The visit by the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Select Committee was a great opportunity to recognise and highlight the excellent work being done by Oxford City Council’s award-winning Home Improvement Agency. Importantly it also enabled local residents and our frontline experts to contribute to the shaping of future policies and reforms that will further improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.

“We are really proud of the progress we've made in creating an inclusive and accessible community in Oxford, but we are always striving to be even better. We were delighted today to be able to play our part in trying to ensure that everyone can live with the dignity and independence they deserve in a suitable home."