Case Ref: 20 005 246 Category: Planning Sub Category: Building control

• The Council agreed to remind officers who deal with complaints handling, that it may still review the process by which decisions are made, even if the complaint relates to a decision where there is no right of appeal.

Case Ref: 20 004 508 Category: Housing Sub Category: Allocations

• Confirm how it checks the condition of properties where it receives housing applications from Council tenants citing unsanitary conditions.
• Remind relevant staff to record any inquiries made when assessing housing applications and ensure decision letters comment on any reasonable preference specified.

Case Ref: 20 000 763 Category: Adult care services Sub Category: Direct payments

• The Council agreed to demonstrate the following is in place, or if it is not, ensure that it has appropriate systems and staff training: to keep direct payments under review, and that any concerns are appropriately addressed and followed up
• The Council agreed to demonstrate the following is in place, or if it is not, ensure that it has appropriate systems and staff training: to ensure care arrangements are not cut where eligible needs remain the same but funding arrangements change.

Case Ref: 19 018 506 Category: Housing Sub Category: Allocations

• The Council should review its procedures to ensure officers recognise and appropriately respond to enquiries about making an application for medical points. The Council should inform the Ombudsman of the action taken to improve its practice in this area.

Case Ref: 19 015 348 Category: Adult care services Sub Category: Assessment and care plan

• The Council will produce a charging policy document and make it available to the public on its website.

Case Ref: 19 014 383 Category: Housing Sub Category: Homelessness

• The Council has agreed to remind relevant officers of the definition of domestic violence included in the Homeless Code of Guidance.
• The Council has agreed to review the way it keeps track of complaints and review requests and make improvements to ensure responses are provided within the required timeframes.
• The Council has agreed to review the way it handles homelessness applications to ensure it does not delay completing its enquiries and deciding whether to accept the main housing duty.

Case Ref: 19 011 274 Category: Children's care services Sub Category: Fostering

• The Council will review its section on specialist foster carers in its Financial policy for carers to provide clarity on those who may qualify to include children who may need additional care such as those with disabilities and health conditions.