Case Ref: 20 003 093 Category: Housing Sub Category: Allocations

• The Council has agreed to remind relevant staff of the legal requirement to be satisfied an applicant is eligible before accepting any homelessness duty.
• The Council has agreed to ensure it completes all requests for statutory reviews of homeless decisions.
• The Council has agreed to remind relevant staff of the need to consider support needs as part of homelessness assessments and personalised housing plans.
• The Council has agreed to remind relevant staff of the need to approach issues of domestic violence with sensitivity and care. The Council should consider if staff need refresher training on this subject.

Case Ref: 19 018 432 Category: Benefits and tax Sub Category: Other

• Update the Council policyabout Council Tax Discretionary Relief in order to include a person’s right toappeal decision to the Valuation Tribunal

Case Ref: 19 018 397 Category: Housing Sub Category: Allocations

• The Council has agreed to remind relevant staff that Personalised Housing Plans must be kept under review, in particular when there is a change in duty.
• The Council has agreed to remind relevant staff of the need to consider suitability of interim accommodation, and to keep records of decisions about suitability.
• The Council has agreed to remind staff of the importance of keeping accurate records and issuing correct and relevant decision letters promptly.

Case Ref: 19 017 240 Category: Adult care services Sub Category: Assessment and care plan

• Complete training for staff as to the right to adaptations of owner-occupiers where there is a risk of falling at home.

Case Ref: 19 015 876 Category: Adult care services Sub Category: Disabled facilities grants

• The Council should review its guidance for officers concerning DFG applications. This should include the importance of confirming any changes to a DFG application in writing to applicants. It should also consider a checklist or guidance for homeowners to encourage them to consider the implications and compatibility of any proposed works on the other aspects of their property.

Case Ref: 19 007 538 Category: Housing Sub Category: Allocations

• The Council will improve record keeping when it grants time extensions and also correct potential inconsistencies in how it applies its housing policy.

Case Ref: 18 019 953 Category: Other Categories Sub Category: Other

• The Council will review its approach to record keeping both in terms of its actions when dealing with complaints of untidy land and in its complaint handling. It will tell the Ombudsman of the outcome.