Among the headline grabbing announcements in this year's Budget was an unheralded boost for home adaptations. An in-year allocation of an extra £42m for disabled facilities grants (DFGs) is equivalent to a 10% bonus, and demonstrates the Government's understanding of how a suitable home environment really can prevent admissions into both hospital and residential care.

The guidance that accompanies the funding announcement asks local authorities to request their allocation by close of play on 12 December, providing that they could spend it by the end of March 2018. Any unclaimed funds are to be reallocated to councils in greater need.