Aids and adaptations policy

8.1 Complex adaptations require work that is more extensive e.g. major remodelling, widening of doors, off road parking and extensions, and are often designed for the specific need of the individual. These works are of high cost and affect the future use of the property. 

8.2 These adaptations are to be carried out within the original footprint of the property. Only in exceptional circumstances and where alternative suitable properties are not available will any works outside of the footprint including extensions will be considered. 

8.2 Upon receipt of the Occupational Therapists report, where required a feasibility assessment will be carried out in consultation with the Occupational Therapist, along with a member of the council’s Adaptations Team, Neighbourhood and Enforcement Team and Housing Allocations Team to assess whether the recommendations are reasonable and practicable ‘in their nature. For new referrals this will include a visit to the property. Where the referral is similar in nature to previous referrals and the property layout is well known or a visit has taken place within the last 12 months then a desktop assessment will suffice. Where works are considered to beyond reasonable and practicable, the council reserves the right refuse to undertake these works or to offer alternative solutions including re-housing. 

8.3 The feasibility assessment will seek to establish:

• If the works can be carried out within the footprint of the property. 
• If the recommendations are reasonable and practicable or are there more suitable alternatives that can be offered. 
• If there is a possibility for the tenant to be moved to more suitable accommodation.
• Any implications of having the works done in relation to under occupancy and council tax rates. 
• The implications of the adaptation work when the property becomes available to re-let, in particular the impact on future allocations and under occupancy issues. The feasibility report will highlight these issues once confirmed.  
• If the adaptation works are suitable for the disabled tenant. Occupational Therapist confirmation that the proposal meets the needs of the tenant.
• The feasibility of the adaptation in relation to the layout and structure of the property.
• The proposed works meet all planning, estate management and building regulation requirements. (This will not always be fully known until an application is put in).
• Whether the estimated cost of the adaptation work is reasonable or likely to exceed the council’s maximum budget provision.

8.4 Where it has been identified that a move to a more suitable property is both reasonable and practicable, the council reserves the right to refuse approval for the adaptations requested for the original home. 

8.5 The council further reserves the right to refuse the request for a complex adaptation on the same grounds mentioned above in relation to Major Adaptations (point 7.7 above). Under these circumstances a tenant can still apply for a means tested DFG (point 7.8 above). 

8.6 In situations where a suitable alternative or already adapted property is offered and refused, approval of the complex adaptation will be subject to review by the Exceptional Circumstances Panel attended by senior council representatives. Alternatively, if the person is on the Housing Needs Register, it might be appropriate to refer the case to the Exceptional Circumstances Panel for consideration of a review of their priority banding on the housing needs register or for consideration of a direct let to a suitable property if available.

8.7 The council may seek advice from an independent Occupational Therapist to assist with requests for complex (and sometimes major) adaptations. This individual will be registered with a professional body e.g. the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), or similar alternative.

8.8 We aim to ensure all complex adaptations are approved within 12 months from the date they are requested. However, due to the complexity of these adaptations, particularly involving extensive works such as extensions (requiring planning permission etc) then this timescale will be considerably longer. Due to the detailed nature of these requests, timescales to complete complex adaptations will be discussed and agreed at the time they are made. Works of this nature will not be agreed until they have also been financially approved.