Ombudsman issues guidance on housing adaptations for disabled people

This Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman Good Practice Guide is designed to help officers in local councils improve their practice when dealing with people who need housing adaptations, often through what are called ‘Disabled Facilities Grants’ (DFGs).

The report highlights how alterations can include simple changes like handrails or ramps to extensive adaptations like internal lifts or extensions to create wheelchair-accessible bathrooms or extra living space.

The guide includes several case studies drawn Ombudsman investigations to illustrate the difficulties people with disability have faced, and the solutions and remedies recommended by the Ombudsman to put the problems right.

Drawing on the Ombudsman’s extensive experience, the Guide also offers key learning points for officers, including:

• ensuring robust procedures set out expectations for all services involved in delivering DFGs, including timescales, to avoid delay
• communicating clearly and effectively with applicants
• keeping accurate and detailed records, particularly of the agreed works and amount of the grant awarded
• ensuring the completed works meet the assessed needs
• having regard to the additional guidance on DFGs for children