Example
C applied for carpets for the living room and bedroom, and for a bed, mattress and duvet after these items were disposed of by the council during treatment for an infestation. C also requested a washing machine, as their existing appliance had broken.
The council awarded some items but declined to award carpets, as these were assessed as not meeting the High Most Compelling (HMC) priority level.
We reviewed the council’s case file and spoke directly with C. During this discussion, C explained that they have significant mobility issues due to arthritis and sciatica and use mobility aids throughout the home to reduce the risk of falls. C also described how autism, ADHD and OCD affect day to day living. We considered that these factors increased the priority of the requested items and decided that carpets should be awarded.
Recommendation
- Award carpets for the living room and bedroom.
Feedback for the council
- Decisions should be based on accurate and complete information.
- Disability related benefits are intended to meet health related needs, and asking applicants to use these to replace household furnishings is not supported by the guidance.
- The first tier decision was issued outwith the timescales set out in the guidance.