CASH given out to pay for alterations for disabled people in their homes has topped £22 million since 2009, it has been found.

Wiltshire Council has tapped into the Disabled Facilities Grant for 3,617 people, and last year 229 grants were handed out totalling £2 million.

Door widening, ramps and rails are all included in the list of work that people can benefit from. Heating and lighting changes can also be paid for.

When it launched in 2009, 416 people were awarded cash to work on their homes in Wiltshire.

Hollie-Anne Brooks, became disabled a little over 12 months ago, and although she doesn’t have first hand experience of the

Disability Facilities Grant has spoken to people who have had the grants.

She said: “Small changes matter a great deal and something that may seem minor can have such an enriching impact on the life of a disabled person – both from an accessibility point of view but also in terms of their mental health.

“Though it’s great that the money is available when people need to access it, one of the major problems we currently have with the grant is awareness.”

“Although it’s positive to see that spending across councils on DFG’s generally seems to be increasing, it’s critical that the people who need it most are aware that these life-changing grants are available to them.”