Housing renewal assistance policy 2026 - 2030: 1. Introduction - 10.6 Removal of DFG and related items

Lifts and similar equipment provided through a grant is the legal property and responsibility of the applicant / property owner (not the Council). The discretion to provide maintenance assistance as indicated in 10.5 does not in any way change this.

The decision to assist with funding of the removal of DFG and related works rest with the Council. There is no statutory obligation for the Council to arrange or fund this work. There are a number of companies who periodically agree to remove equipment at nil or low cost to the Council or applicant / home owner. If the Council is aware of these at the time of receiving a request the Council will advise the applicant. Any subsequent agreement between the home owner and contractor is a private matter.

• Stairlifts (curved and straight) and external step lifts: If there is no cost to the Council the Council may arrange (if it so chooses) for the removal of stair-lifts and step lifts upon the request of an applicant or their relative (not a new property owner). Where a charge exists for the removal of a stair lift or step lift and the re-instatement of the property the Council will not undertake or fund these works.
• Vertical / through floor lifts: If a resident is unable to fund the cost of removal and re-instatement of their property and formally request the Council to arrange and fund the works the Council may consider this. The full cost of removal and re-instatement may be land charged against the property at the discretion of the council (depending upon the costs involved in the works).