21.1. The council will consider their function as a landlord as well as a grant awarding authority for adaptations to council houses. The funding for adaptations are through the statutory DFG detailed above. As a landlord the council also has to consider whether to permit an adaptation to be installed.
For straightforward adaptions such as stairlifts, ramps and level access showers the council will usually permit an adaptation to be installed.
21.2. There are occasions where an adaptation will fundamentally alter the property from it’s original size, layout and design, which may affect it’s suitability for future lettings. In these instances, the council may decline an adaptation.
21.3. The council will consider the following factors as part of the decision-making process:
- the suitability of the property for the size of household (as defined by the council’s Allocations policy).
- The applicant’s ability to safely access any common parts (It is the council’s policy not to install stair lifts in the common parts of a property).
- whether there are any competing needs of family members that need to met in that particular property.
- whether there is suitable alternative accommodation available considering the applicants circumstances and health conditions.
- the availability of the applicants existing support network and carers.
- whether external adaptations, for example ramping, would adversely affect the area for other residents.
- Any significant rent arrears.
- Any ongoing antisocial behaviour.
21.4. If declining permission for an adaptation the council will write to the tenant and explain why.
21.5. If permission for an adaptation is refused, applicants can appeal to the Director of Housing and Community Safety.
