ALL disabled people in Castle Point who are waiting for vital home improvements to be carried out will see the work completed after the council received more than half a million pounds in funding.

The £679,055 from the Government’s Better Care Fund will mean the council can clear its waiting list for disabled people waiting home improvements - the first time this has happened since 1997.

The cash boost means all residents in the Castle Point area who have successfully applied for a disabled facilities grant to adapt their home up until April have been allocated a grant.

The funding boost to change lives has been welcomed by councillors, MPs and residents who say it will make a big difference to the lives of those who are disabled.

Colin Maclean, Tory councillor for health and wellbeing, said: “The disability facilities grant facility is a vital service for those residents within our community who wish to remain within their own homes but require some assistance to make their properties suitable to accommodate their disability.

“We are fortunate within Castle Point to have council officers who make the application process as simple and effective as possible.”

Rebecca Harris, MP for Castle Point, said the Better Care Fund is designed to improve the quality of life of those who need assistance.

Mrs Harris said: “People living with disabilities can face many challenges every day, but getting around their own home shouldn’t be one of them.

“These adaptations are necessary for people to stay in their own homes longer.

“I am very pleased that this extra money has meant that none of my residents who require their home to be adapted aren’t having to wait.”

Residents said this will help to improve the lives of disabled people.

Colin Letchford, 71, beach volunteer and former Canvey councillor, said: “I think this is brilliant.

“I am disabled and have a mobility scooter and find it difficult to walk.

“I had my pancreas removed and have no stomach muscles.

“If no one is on a waiting list that is fantastic news.

“I think this will make a big different to people’s lives.

“It is good work by the council and I am really thrilled about it.

“I know there have been people waiting and it can affect people’s lives.”

Tory council leader Norman Smith said Castle Point is an ageing borough and for many years the number of applications for the grant has outstripped the funding the council had for it.

Mr Smith said: “I am very pleased the Government has stepped up and provided us with extra funding through the better care fund.

“Hundreds of our residents will have the adaptations that allow them to stay in their own home quicker.”

Disabled facilities grants are available for elderly or disabled residents to enable them to live independently or be cared for in their homes.

The grants are used to help resident gain access to rooms, to use bathroom and kitchen appliances, and where necessary improve heating or lighting.

To qualify for the grant residents must first be referred after an assessment by Essex County Council.

In the last three years Castle Point has received an extra £1,908,000 of funding from the Better Care Fund.

The abolition of the waiting list was highlighted at a council cabinet meeting last week.

The funding for Castle Point Council is part of £416 million fund from the Government.