To ask the Minister for Communities what proposals she is bringing forward to stop the waste of equipment used to modify accommodation when residents move, including potentially allowing residents to take such equipment with them.

An adaptation to a social home (whether Housing Executive or Housing Association owned) cannot be transferred to a privately rented property. The provision of adaptations in the private sector is set out in legislation. This legislation does not allow for the transfer of adaptations or specialist equipment between different housing tenures, for example, from social housing to the private sector.

In many cases, it is not possible to remove such fittings as these are structural alterations made to the property. This would be common in most cases where adaptations have been made such as extensions, shower rooms, lifts, hand rails etc. and therefore would not be able to be physically transferred, even were this to be possible.

A Disabled Facilities Grant, administered by the Housing Executive, is available to assist private home owners, landlords and their tenants. Those wishing to apply must contact the Occupational Therapy Service via their Health and Social Care Trust, GP or Social Worker.