London, United Kingdom - Government funding for home adaptations for disabled and older people in England has fallen by GBP 38 million compared with the previous financial year’s final total, according to new analysis by UK Mobility Stairlifts.
The Government has allocated GBP 723 million to the Disabled Facilities Grant for 2026–27, compared with a final total of GBP 761 million in 2025–26.
That represents a reduction of approximately 5% year on year.
The Disabled Facilities Grant helps eligible disabled people pay for changes that allow them to live safely and independently at home, including adaptations such as stairlifts, ramps, accessible bathrooms and lifts.
Government figures indicate the scheme supported around 60,000 people last year.
But UK Mobility Stairlifts is warning households that the availability of funding does not necessarily mean an adaptation can be arranged quickly.
Under current rules, a local council must give an applicant a decision on their Disabled Facilities Grant application within six months.
That period can also come after earlier stages including an assessment of the person's needs and, in some cases, an occupational therapist assessment.
North West receives largest regional allocation
UK Mobility Stairlifts analysed the Government's 2026–27 Disabled Facilities Grant allocations across England.
The North West receives the largest total regional allocation at GBP 124.4 million, followed by the South East at GBP 115.1 million and London at GBP 95.9 million.
The regional allocations for 2026–27 are:
- North West: GBP 124.4 million
- South East: GBP 115.1 million
- London: GBP 95.9 million
- West Midlands: GBP 89.6 million
- Yorkshire and the Humber: GBP 69.8 million
- South West: GBP 69.5 million
- East of England: GBP 66.0 million
- East Midlands: GBP 51.7 million
- North East: GBP 41.0 million
The figures are total allocations rather than funding per disabled resident, so larger allocations do not necessarily mean households in those regions receive more generous individual grants.
Individual Disabled Facilities Grant awards in England are currently available up to GBP 30,000, although some councils may provide additional discretionary assistance.
"Funding and speed are two separate questions"
Dave Smith, UK-based stairlift researcher for UK Mobility Stairlifts, said:
"People searching for help with a stairlift often ask one question first: can the council pay for it?
"For some households the answer can be yes, and the Disabled Facilities Grant can make an enormous financial difference.
"But funding and speed are two separate questions. A household may qualify for help while still having to go through an assessment, an application and formal council approval before the work can begin.
"Someone who is already struggling to use their stairs safely needs to understand that distinction before deciding whether to wait for grant funding or investigate private installation as well."
The six-month deadline does not necessarily cover the whole process
GOV.UK states that councils must provide a decision on a Disabled Facilities Grant application within six months.
However, the formal application is not necessarily the beginning of the household's journey.
Applicants may first need to contact their council, explain their needs and undergo an assessment before a complete grant application can be submitted.
In the data examined by that review, the average period between a formal grant application and completion of the adaptation was almost seven months, with substantial differences between areas.
The review is historical rather than a measure of current 2026 waiting times, but it demonstrates why the statutory six-month decision period should not be interpreted as a guarantee that an adaptation will be completed within six months.
UK Mobility Stairlifts is therefore advising households with an immediate mobility problem to investigate likely local waiting times before relying on grant funding as their only route to getting a stairlift installed.
GBP 723 million allocated under new funding formula
The 2026–27 funding year also marks the introduction of a revised Government formula for distributing Disabled Facilities Grant money between local authorities.
The Government says the new method is intended to better reflect local need, including differences in building costs, deprivation and disability prevalence.
The GBP723 million allocation compares with GBP 761 million in 2025–26.
Last year's figure included a GBP 50 million in-year uplift, meaning the original 2025–26 funding level was lower before the additional money was announced.
UK Mobility Stairlifts' analysis therefore compares the final amount available for 2025–26 with the confirmed allocation for 2026–27.
Can the Disabled Facilities Grant pay for a stairlift?
In England, the Disabled Facilities Grant can be used towards adaptations considered necessary and appropriate for a disabled person's needs.
Government guidance specifically includes adaptations that improve access within the home.
For most adult applicants, the amount awarded depends on a financial assessment that considers household income and savings.
Applicants should normally receive council approval before starting work. GOV.UK warns that someone may not receive a grant if work begins before their application has been approved.
Stairlift grant guide updated for 2026
UK Mobility Stairlifts has published an updated guide explaining:
- how the Disabled Facilities Grant can apply to stairlifts;
- who can qualify;
- the GBP 30,000 maximum grant in England;
- how financial assessments work;
- why occupational therapist assessments can affect the timeline;
- how long councils have to make a decision;
- whether funding can cover the full approved cost; and
- how arrangements differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The full guide is available at:
UK Mobility Stairlifts - Stairlift Grants and Funding Guide 2026
https://ukmobilitystairlifts.co.uk/stairlift-grants
About UK Mobility Stairlifts
UK Mobility Stairlifts is a UK stairlift information and quote-referral website providing guides covering stairlift costs, types, installation and funding. UK Mobility Stairlifts operates a free, no-obligation quote referral service. UK Mobility Stairlifts does not administer, approve or process Disabled Facilities Grant applications.
Email: info@ukmobilitystairlifts.co.uk
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