Section: Housing Grants

Compensation for Delayed Grant

Mr P was an elderly man in poor health. His wife suffered from a number of health problems, which left her unable to get out of the bath without assistance. She was having to bath at a relative's house.

Mr P complained that Wakefield City Council delayed unreasonably in dealing with his application for a Disabled Facilities Grant. He applied in October 2000, but it was more than seven months before a visit was made by the Council to assess Mrs P's needs. The Grant was not approved until December 2002.

Work to turn a redundant coal shed and pantry into a downstairs bathroom started in February 2003 and was completed in July 2003. Mr P's wife died in June 2003 and did not benefit from the works.

The Ombudsman found that there was delay at the outset, which resulted in the Grant being held up for five months. The Council agreed to apologise for the delay and offered £500 to Mr P by way of compensation. The Ombudsman considered that this would provide a satisfactory remedy.

The Ombudsman did not find any maladministration in the Council's actions once the Grant process was underway.

Report No. 02/C/14023

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Reporting on April-June 2004

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