Access Grant

The Community Department within Erewash Borough Council and in conjunction with the building control section operate a grant scheme to help the local community, by providing funding to encourage the improvement of access and facilities for disabled persons.

The purpose being that disabled people can participate fully in their communities.

The grant will also assist the owners of premises open to the Public meet new legislation namely the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, which requires the reasonable adjustment of buildings used for goods and services access and use of the facilities.

The grant is available for existing buildings only.

The Borough Council is also supported by Erewash Access Group, the group have regular meetings which both highlight difficulties faced by disabled persons and give practical advice and information.

What is the aim of the grant?

Grants are intended to contribute to the cost of work, required to make buildings more accessible for disabled people.

These alterations might include:

• Provision of ramps,
• Provision of disabled toilet facilities,
• Installation of induction loop systems, Upgrading sign posting, or other measures needed to make a building more usable by disabled people.

These improvements will also make buildings more accessible to other members of the community, particularly elderly people and those pushing wheelchairs or buggies.

How Much is Available?

The maximum grant that can be awarded is:

50% of the total cost of eligible works may be available for carrying out the work

Who is Eligible For a Grant?

The building must be open to the public and be owned or occupied by a non-profit making organisation such as churches, voluntary organisations and charities.

How Do You Apply?

Anyone wishing to apply for a grant should contact the Council's Community Department who will be able to give advice on the procedure and, if necessary, on the design of the schemes with the expertise of the Building Control Officers.

Making an Application

The formal application will consist of:

• A completed application form giving details of the Organisation applying for the grant
• An application under the Building Regulations for the proposed alterations. (The building work will be expected to comply with the building regulations, in particular Part M, Access and Facilities for Disabled People).
• Three quotations for carrying out the work.