Cumberland Council has strengthened its commitment to local veterans and their families by increasing support for those applying for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs).
All War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation payments will now be fully disregarded when assessing DFG applications. This change removes financial barriers that previously affected a small number of applicants who were required to contribute toward the cost of essential home adaptations.
Most veterans already receive the full grant; however, for those who did not, this update will ensure greater fairness and improved access to the support they need to live safely and independently at home.
Residents who would like more information, or who wish to share this update with someone who may benefit, can contact [email protected].
This announcement follows Cumberland Council’s signing of the National Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming the Council’s pledge to ensure that serving personnel, veterans, and their families are treated fairly and never disadvantaged when accessing public services.
Further information about the Armed Forces Covenant and support available in Cumberland can be found at www.cumberland.gov.uk/armed-forces-support
With these new military compensation disregards in DFG assessments, in addition to earlier disregards in Council Tax Support / Reduction, Housing Benefit, and Discretionary Housing Payments, Cumberland Council is now meeting the Royal British Legion ‘Credit their Service’ campaign in full.
Cllr Lisa Hinton, Cumberland Council Lead Portfolio Holder with responsibility for the Armed Forces Covenant, said;
“By fully disregarding War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation payments in Disabled Facilities Grant applications, we are strengthening our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. This change ensures veterans and their families face no unnecessary financial barriers to the essential adaptations they need to live safely and independently.”
Cllr Emma Williamson, Cumberland Council Executive Member for Children's Services, Family Wellbeing and Housing, said;
“This update makes our Disabled Facilities Grant process fairer and more accessible for veterans and their families. Although only a small number were previously affected, removing this financial hurdle will make a real difference to their wellbeing at home, and we encourage residents to share this support widely.”
Hannah Pearce, Director of Campaigns, Policy and Research at Royal British Legion, said;
“We want to thank Cumberland Council for working with us and doing the right thing by veterans and the whole Armed Forces community. All councils in Great Britain have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and this is a really good example of the tangible difference councils can make to some of the poorest veterans in their community.”