Issue - meetings

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation outlined in the draft Cabinet report

The Chair thanked officers for the detailed and interesting report.

The Head of Housing and Communities provided an overview of the report contained within the agenda pack.

Officers provided members with additional information that was not included in the report. The change to the discretionary element of the grant has driven a change in behaviours with an increase in applications for vertical lifts due to the reduced cost in comparison to extensions. However, this approach does not provide an appropriate long-term solution.

The Chair raised a concern about potential safety risks for some residents using vertical lifts.

Members questioned how lifetime property charges were applied for social housing.

Officers confirmed that discretionary funding would only be available for private and privately rented properties. It was likely that any discretionary funding would be re-paid at some point from private or privately rented properties, but this did not apply to social housing.

Members enquired whether private landlords were required to co-sign any funding agreement.

Officers confirmed that landlord permission must be granted before any work can be carried out on a privately rented property and landlords are made aware of the funding conditions.

Members asked if hospital patients who were awaiting property adaptations were prioritised and whether the Health Board contributed financially.

Officers confirmed that the previously available Hospital Discharge Grant is no longer offered and Occupational Therapists must prioritise need. When a priority need is identified, the application would be moved as far as possible on the waiting list, depending on the current state of spend. It was noted that there are already commitments for next year’s budget.

Members questioned whether more funding is required from the health board and queried why the Hospital Discharge Funding Grant is no longer available.

Officers confirmed that efforts have been made to obtain extra funding from the health board, but this has not been forthcoming. There was a change to the Western Bay Grants, and approval was stopped. It was noted that many people on the waiting list are of equal priority and there are difficulties in prioritising with the limited resources available. In some cases, Occupational Therapists put forward priority pieces of work with the remainder of the works being carried out at a later date.

The Head of Adult Services gave assurances that hospital patients awaiting adaptations would not remain in hospital for extended periods but would be moved into an extended care placement in a residential bed, at a cost to the council.

Members enquired, should the proposal be implemented, how quickly would the current backlog clear.

Officers confirmed that if Cabinet approval were granted, changes would be required to the policy tools and legal document, with the aim for the change to be implemented by the start of the next financial year. There are currently 274 on the waiting list but it is anticipated that some people may leave the list if means testing was reintroduced. People on the waiting list will be notified if means testing was re-introduced.

Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4