Improving your home

Help for owners and occupiers

There are several grants and schemes designed to help you make essential repairs and improve the comfort, safety and security of your home. District councils provide these, but you can refer yourself or someone else using the home repairs referral form.

Disabled facilities grants

If you are eligible for a disabled facilities grant, your home can be adapted to make your day-to-day life more manageable. The disabled facilities grant is means-tested - whether you can receive it depends on your other sources of income. Your district/city council may have alternative loans/grants which are not means-tested.

You can also request a social care needs assessment.

Essential repair grants

Means-tested grants for homeowners to help with essential repairs to the home.

Flexible home loans

This loan scheme for owners occupiers aged 60 and over is designed to help you to make essential repairs and improve the comfort, safety and security of your home.

Energy efficiency grants

There are a range of grants available for energy efficiency measures. These schemes often have eligibility criteria and can open and close. Contact Better Housing Better Health to find out the latest.

Help for council tenants

If you are a council tenant, over 65, or receiving a disability living allowance, you may be entitled to help with the maintenance of your home.

Oxford City Council has implemented a repairs exemption policy to help tenants who are unable to maintain their homes due to physical disability.

Small repairs services across the county

Small repair services are available to owners, occupiers, and tenants who are 60 and over, disabled, or suffering from a long-term health condition. 

Occupational therapy

Oxfordshire County Council takes occupational therapy referrals. A home assessment can help identify whether you would benefit from any equipment. The equipment ranges from simple solutions such as a walking aid or a second stair rail to significant adaptations such as walk-in showers.

You might want to request a needs assessment if you are experiencing difficulties due to:

• frailty
• physical health issues
• disability
• learning difficulties
• mental health issues

Home adaptions and equipment

You can buy your own equipment directly from providers.

You can borrow daily living aids to help you with day-to-day tasks.

A home assessment may help determine whether you would benefit from any pieces of equipment. These could be simple solutions such as a walking aid or a second stair rail or significant adaptations such as walk-in showers.

Finding trusted traders

Oxfordshire County Council's 'Buy With Confidence' scheme lists reputable local businesses, such as builders, checked by Trading Standards.