Decision details

The Council administers in excess of 100 Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) each year. Without external support and advice from a Home Improvement Agency (HIA) or other similar support agency many DFG applicants would be unable to complete the process.
A HIA helps applicants obtain estimates from contractors, prepares and submits the grant application and oversees works on site. The HIAs fees are included within the grant.
The Council has previously had an MOU in place with DG Accessible Designs that is now due for renewal. DGA are the main HIA that operate in the Tendring District currently. DFG applicants are given the option to chose whether they wish to be helped by a HIA.

To enter into a MOU with DGA Designs.

Option 1 - Not entering into a MOU with DGA. This would leave the Council in a difficult position as many DFG applicants would be unable to complete the application process. DGA could continue providing their service in this area but without the relationship and benefits that come from having a shared MOU.
Option 2 - Continuing with the MOU. This ensures a working relationship between DGA and the Council and enables the Council to offer DGA as an option to DFG applicants.