An East Yorkshire woman with Motor Neurone Disease has had her vital home adaptations fast-tracked within weeks, following a new council policy to accelerate support for progressive terminal conditions.
A woman with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in East Yorkshire has seen her application for housing adaptations fast-tracked, following a motion at East Riding of Yorkshire Council to expediate adaptions for those with the condition.
In January, a motion was unanimously passed by the Council, which committed to a new target of delivering home adaptations for people with progressive terminal conditions within 55 days for simple adaptations, and 130 days for more complex works.
Suzy England, (56) who was diagnosed with MND in November 2025, first noticed weakness in her legs but put it down to chronic fatigue syndrome.
She had been quoted thousands, that was beyond her means, for changes to her bathroom, a ramp outside the property and other works following her diagnosis.
However, East Riding of Yorkshire Council took action and approved building plans within weeks.
Suzy said:
“We joined our local MND group, but already the council occupational therapist had come round and then within a week, they were looking at implementing adaptation plans.
“In two weeks, all the plans were drawn up and had been agreed and approved. They couldn't get a ramp in, so they're putting a lift in right at the front of the house.
“It's just been it's just been amazing and I feel really sorry for people that can't get it easily, but it just all fell into place for us.”
The works come after the MND association’s Unlock the Door campaign, which calls on councils to ensure people with terminal, progressive conditions can access Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) quickly.
Works included a remodelling of the family bathroom and totalled £33,200, with the DFG covering £30,000 and an MND Association grant of £2000 going towards the costs.
Mother of two Suzy added
“I can go upstairs to the shower now, and I've got a bath lift, but sometimes I just think, I would prefer a shower.
“The council is coming to look at putting a wall-mounted seat in the in the shower upstairs to let me keep doing that.
“We were looking at a private builder who quoted us thousands. When they came back, I thought, 'oh my goodness!'.
"We didn’t know what we're going to do' but the council stepped in and filled in the application for us based on my needs. They kept in touch with us all the time.”
MND’s research found that the average wait time for delivery of a large home adaptation (such as a through-floor lift or level-access bathroom) was 375 days for people in England.
This is despite the fact that a third of people with MND, die withing a year of diagnosis.
Councillor MIchael Lee, East Riding of Yorkshire Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Infrastructure said,:
“These adaptations are key to supporting residents with Motor Neurone Disease. We’re proud to support our residents with MND with home adaptations suited for their needs.”
Flora Butler, MND Senior Policy Adviser for Care and Support, added:
“Suzy’s experience with the DFG process shows fast tracking can be implemented effectively across England.
“We want to work with councils, not in opposition, to ensure people with MND are given the care and support needed more quickly and tailored to their needs.
“The Association is very grateful to East Riding of Yorkshire Council and all the others in England who have adopted our asks and look forward to seeing more join our Unlock the Door campaign.”
More information about East Riding council housing adaptations can be found at https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/housing/council-tenants/adaptations-disabled-occupants/
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