The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision not to pay towards the cost of an access ramp the complainant installed in his home. There is no evidence of fault in the Council’s decision.
The complaint
Mr X says the Council told him it would pay to install a disabled access ramp at his home if it cost up to £1000. But if it cost over £1000 he would have to apply for a disabled facilities grant (DFG) which could take six months.
He says he paid to install the ramp himself and the Council refuses to pay him £1000 towards the cost.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse effect on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We do not start an investigation if we decide the tests set out in our Assessment Code are not met. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Mr X.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
The Council says it explained the minor work and DFG process to Mr X and explained it can take some months to complete the process. It also says it offered Mr X a temporary ramp while the grant application process took place. However, Mr X declined the offer of a temporary ramp.
Mr X chose to pay for a ramp himself. He now wants the Councill to reimburse him for the first £1000.
The Council’s Accessible Housing police states the Council does not charge for provision of disability equipment and adaptations that aid daily living and cost £1000 or less. This includes portable wheelchair ramps.
Residents can apply for a DFG to fund adaptations costing more than £1000. However, DFGs are subject to a means test and assessment and recommendations from a qualified Occupational Therapist. However, councils will not approve a grant if the work has already been completed.
Final decision
We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because he chose to install a ramp. The ramp was completed before he asked the Council to pay £1000 towards the work. Basic rules for DFGs state councils will not approve a grant if the work has already been completed.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman