THE help offered to people living with disabilities is coming under scrutiny in an effort to ensure it targets those in most urgent need.

And Hambleton district councillors are also lobbying central government so sufficient resources continue to be allocated to meet the expected growing demand.

Through the disabled facilities programme the authority provides grants to help people living with disabilities live independently – with cash coming from its own purse as well as from central sources.

Local cabinet member for housing, Neville Huxtable, said: "As the population within the district grows older it is inevitable that the number of people living with disabilities and chronic health conditions will increase.

"This increase in demand will put additional pressure on our budgets so we are urging the Government to commit to allocating sufficient resources to help us continue to deliver this programme."

Currently all grant referrals and applications coming into the council are dealt with in the order that they are received – but this system could mean that the most urgent cases are not given priority and that resources are not targeting those in most need.

"We have developed a draft prioritisation system and we now want the views of the public on it," said Coun Huxtable.

To take part in the consultation contact Susan Bolland on 01609-767133 or at susan.bolland@hambleton.gov.uk or visit hambleton.gov.uk/disabledfacilities