Lewes District Council (09 001 059)
Private housing grants Maladministration causing injustice
6 April 2010
It took Lewes District Council nearly three years to process and agree a disabled facilities grant for an extension to meet the needs of a disabled child. The Ombudsman said the Council: “…failed to take an effective lead at the start and failed to provide clear information to [the complainant] and to partner organisations.”
‘Ms Martin’ (not her real name for legal reasons) complained that the Council delayed in dealing with her application for a disabled facilities grant (DFG) for adaptations to her home. These were required to meet the needs of her daughter who has physical disabilities and had to be carried up and down stairs. She was aged four at the time that Ms Martin first got in touch with the Council.
Several organisations were involved in the process, but the Ombudsman found that the Council, as the lead body, was responsible for some avoidable delay.
Remedy
The Ombudsman found maladministration causing injustice and, in accordance with his recommendations, the Council:
- apologised to Ms Martin;
- paid her £1,000 compensation; and
- reviewed its procedures for working with partner organisations and communicating effectively with them and with applicants.
LGO satisfied with Council's response: 23 June 2010
Date Updated: 23/06/10