Decision Details

To waive the repayment of a Disabled facilities Grant (DFG) in the sum of £6322.27 (Ref number CL-000150).

A request has been received for the Council to waive the repayment on a DFG Repayment under the SCHEME OF HOUSING ASSISTANCE RENEWAL POLICY 2018 . Case reference number CL-000150.  The Housing Renewal Assistance policy document, lays out the reason for using discretion to waive the payment, the Director of Governance and Regulatory Services is approved to make the final decision.

Alternative options considered

1. Require the applicant to make a repayment to the council upon the sale of the property and not use the discretion to waive the repayment. The client would then have less money to adapt and improve her new home for her disability.

Housing Renewal and Assistance Policy 2018 (paragraph 4.2)

Letter from home-owner stating the reasons why she has decided to sell and move. The owner did not have any intention to move when they applied for the grant but had several accidents in the home and a suitable property that they can afford has become available at short notice. Not for publication by virtue of paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as the report contains exempt information relating to any individual.

The policy is that a charge may be placed on properties subject to a Grant over £5,000 where it is considered that the works add value to the property. Although the grant has increased the value of the property it is unlikely that the cost would be fully recouped when sold.

The decision has also been made taking into consideration the extent to which the recipient would suffer financial hardship if the grant were reclaimed and also whether the disposal of the property is made for reasons of the recipient’s mental or physical health or well-being.