Scheme 7 not closed

With reference to the letter by Ronald Calleja of the National Parents' Society for Persons with Disability (Assistance On Lifts, November 28) the Housing Authority would like to correct some of the statements made. As correctly referred to, the Housing Authority provides the installation of lifts in government-owned properties where a disabled person resides.

Contrary to what was said in Mr Calleja's letter, the authority also offers assistance for alteration and repair works to persons with a disability who reside in a private dwelling under Scheme 7. This scheme has not been discontinued, as stated in the letter, but a generous means test was introduced last January. This means test does not include the yearly income of the applicant but refers only to the assets the applicant possesses. Assistance is granted for various disability-related alteration works including the installation of lifts and stair lifts.

What is currently not available is assistance to private owners of private flats who want to put in a common lift. The Housing Authority is currently reviewing how it can help families with disabled children in this regard.