The complaint

A mother made a complaint that her Local Authority failed to provide adequate housing for her son who had been diagnosed with a progressive disabling disease. The mother refused a house offered by the local authority on foot of medical advice that the accommodation would not meet her son’s specific and changing needs. The Council contended that the house was developed for her son in consultation with his Occupational Therapist. Since 2000, the Council had refused to review the child’s case despite several medical representations outlining the deterioration in the boy’s condition.

The outcome

Following an involved and comprehensive investigation, the Office found that there was no evidence that the house had been adapted for the boy’s specific needs and, therefore, did not constitute a reasonable offer and that no review of the case took place for a period of almost four years. On this basis, the Office made a number of recommendations including:

– that the child’s case be reviewed to find a suitable housing solution for him;

– that the Local Authority administrative processes be reviewed; and

– that the Local Authority adopt a more integrated and responsive approach to children.

The Local Authority recognised the findings and recommendations as fair and accurate and is currently working on implementing them. The report will be published and disseminated in early 2007 as the Office believes that the findings of this investigation can offer constructive learning for other local authorities and public bodies.

Posted in: Investigations Housing