ADAPTATIONS IN COUNCIL HOUSING *

A GUIDE FOR TENANTS

OF

THANET DISTRICT COUNCIL

1.    Under what circumstances are adaptation works carried out?

The Council is sometimes able to carry out adaptation works to enable its less able-bodied tenants to remain in their homes.

All adaptations, even the smaller works like the siting of grab rails, are only undertaken at the request of Kent County Social Services Occupations Therapists or Rehabilitiation Co-ordinators after they have carried out an assessment.

Works recommended by Occupational Therapists or Rehabilitation Co-ordinators are carried out by the Council only if:

i)    the property you are living in is suitable for your needs (for example, it is the right size for you and your family) and,

ii)    if the property is suitable for the type of work which is recommended.

The Council adapts property at its discretion. This means that if for some reason the property you live in is unsuitable for you or the adaptations you need, then you will be advised by the Council.  A Housing Officer will then discuss with you the possibility of moving to property which is more suitable for you or can more easily be adapted for your needs.

2.    What happens next?

Once the Council has received a recommendation from the Occupational Therapist or Rehabilitation Co-ordinator a decision is made whether or not the work will be done.

You will be notified of the Council's decision by letter.

If the work is to go ahead you will be contacted by the Contractor of a Technical Support Officer from the Council normally within twenty-eight days of the letter being sent to you.

An appeal system is available when work is refused due to the suitability of the property for the householder's needs.  There is no appeal where the property is unsuitable to the adaptation requested.  If you wish to appeal against the Council's decision you can do so by letter giving all the information you want taken into consideration.  The appeal will be heard by the Housing Management Committee which meets approximately every quarter (12 weeks).  Letters should be sent care of Strategic Housing Manager, Housing Department, Thanet District Council, PO Box 9, Margate, Kent CT9 1XZ.

*  Reproduced with kind permission from Thanet District Council (October 2000)

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