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.

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, finds Local Government Ombudsman, Tony Redmond. In his report, issued today (14 April 2010) he says 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.

The Ombudsman finds maladministration causing injustice and recommends the Council to:

• apologise to Ms Martin;
• pay her £1,000 compensation; and
• review its procedures for working with partner organisations and communicating effectively with them and with applicants.

Report ref 09 001 059

Article date: 14 April 2010