Posted 09.05.19
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman: Further reading
The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has uncovered an unusual charging policy during an investigation into a housing complaint about Maidstone Borough Council.
A man, who has disabilities, complained to the Ombudsman that the Council wanted to charge him £75 to appeal its decision about joining its housing register.
The man, who uses a wheelchair, told the council his current home was unsuitable for his needs and so he wanted to join the register to bid on an accessible property.
The Council considered medical evidence, but decided there was not enough to justify his request for an additional bedroom on medical grounds.
When the man asked for the decision to be reviewed, the Council said there would be a £75 charge.
The Ombudsman's investigation found fault with the way the Council considered evidence and also failed to follow its own policy by asking him to pay.
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