This is the updated version of HQN’s aids and adaptations toolkit, reflecting guidance from the government in 2022 and learnings from the Housing Ombudsman Service in 2025. A version of the toolkit has been in use since 2008, welcomed by our members for offering valuable advice in an extremely important service area.

With an ageing population and an increased strain on resources across local authorities and health, the demand for home adaptations is rising. Councils can only exercise their powers in relation to home improvement and adaptations if they have a published housing assistance policy in place. This should align with other relevant strategies such as social care, health and older people strategies. A housing provider’s work to promote and install aids and adaptations (A&A) is a key part of delivering the range of services on offer to customers and to relieve pressure on the health service in freeing up hospital beds.

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