Blackburn with Darwen Council (24 005 703)

Statement Upheld Disabled facilities grants 29-May-2025

Summary: Ms D complains about the time the Council has taken to deal with a Disabled Facilities Grant application. Ms D says the Council’s delay has impacted the whole family physically and mentally. We found the Council is at fault due to the time it has taken. The Council agreed to apologise to Ms D, make a recognition payment, provide her with a plan and timescale going forward, and make service improvements.

Dorset Council (24 001 227)

Statement Upheld Disabled facilities grants 27-May-2025

Summary: Mrs B complains about the Council’s actions after agreeing to build an extension to meet the needs of her son who has disabilities. We have found fault as there were delays, poor communication and the Council refused to carry out minor adaptations to meet her son’s needs while the family waited for the works to be completed. This meant that Mrs B’s son lived in a house that did not fully meet his needs and this also affected the family. The Council has agreed to apologise, pay a financial remedy, provide an updated care plan, organise a meeting between relevant departments and carry out a service improvement.

Swale Borough Council (24 016 119)

Statement Not upheld Disabled facilities grants 21-May-2025

Summary: Mr X complained that the Council said he does not qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant. There was no fault on the part of the Council.

Northumberland County Council (24 020 878)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Disabled facilities grants 18-May-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Mrs X’s complaint about the quality of works funded by a disabled facilities grant. This is because the complaint is late and there are no good reasons to exercise our discretion and investigate.

Harlow District Council (24 020 900)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Disabled facilities grants 12-May-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s handling of his relative’s Disabled Facilities Grant application. There is insufficient evidence of fault to warrant an investigation.

Blaby District Council (24 020 164)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Disabled facilities grants 08-May-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint stating the Council failed to progress a Disabled Facilities Grant for his disabled relative. This is because the complaint has been made late, and I see no good reason why Mr X could not have complained in time.

Leicester City Council (24 021 028)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Disabled facilities grants 30-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about the Council’s refusal to award a Disabled Facilities Grant. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault.

London Borough of Waltham Forest (24 020 486)

Statement Closed after initial enquiries Disabled facilities grants 29-Apr-2025

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the outcome of the occupational therapy assessment. There is not enough evidence of fault by the Council.

London Borough of Haringey (24 002 836)

Statement Upheld Disabled facilities grants 24-Apr-2025

Summary: The Council was at fault for failing to make the disabled adaptations Ms X needs in her home. The Council’s decision making was not in line with the law and guidance and it wrongly insisted Ms X must have all the works to her property it thought she needed. As a result, Ms X has spent over a year without access to a downstairs toilet. To remedy this injustice, the Council has agreed to apologise, progress works to Ms X’s home and make payments to her. The Council will also act to improve its services.

Salford City Council (24 008 680)

Statement Upheld Disabled facilities grants 24-Apr-2025

Summary: The Council has already accepted fault for delay and poor communication in its handling of Mr X’s application for a Disabled Facilities Grant. The Council’s actions in response to Mr X’s complaint are a suitable remedy for the injustice caused. We have not, therefore, made any recommendations.