Agenda item

The Committee heard from the Homes, Health and Wellbeing Team Manager regarding the update report on the provision of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs). Members were reminded that in September 2021, a report was presented to the Committee outlining the DFG service in West Lindsey and detailing some of the challenges that had been faced, as well as presenting steps being taken to overcome those challenges. The Committee agreed to a Together 24 (T24) ‘light’ review being undertaken and for an update to be presented to report on progress.

It was explained that whilst there had been a sharp increase in referrals being received for adaptations, the time taken to complete those adaptations had been reduced, with recent figures showing 44% of all adaptations had been delivered in under 120 days. Additionally, the reviewed application process had seen significant improvements in the time taken to deal with each new application. Despite these improvements, it was recognised that there were new challenges to be faced, with budget concerns and increased referral numbers, and so it was planned for a full T24 Service Review to be undertaken in 2023/24.

Further details were provided to the Committee regarding the formula for allocation of DFG funding from Central Government, as well as the actions that had been undertaken in order to lobby for change.

The Chairman thanked the Officer or the detailed report and concise summary, and invited comments from the Committee. A Member of the Committee, who was also a Lincolnshire County Councillor, confirmed receipt of the lobbying letters and assured the Committee conversations were underway. She also confirmed she had held a conversation with Sir Edward Leigh, MP, who had recognised the importance of the issues raised.

In response to a query regarding the size of a ramp installed in one instance, it was confirmed that there were specific parameters that needed to be adhered to, in conjunction with building regulations and working with the health assessors to ensure the required gradient of the ramp was achievable. It was recognised that some examples were not entirely aesthetically pleasing however they did need to adhere to all the relevant guidelines.

Members sought further details with regard to the reduced time frames for completion, the amended referral process and the concerns regarding the future budget availability, as well as how feedback was sought and recorded. It was explained that there had been such a spike in referral numbers as the County Council was working through their backlog of referrals caused in part by the hold on works being undertaken during the pandemic. However, it was highlighted that despite the increase in referrals, the completion times had still reduced, demonstrating the success of the new process. The future budget availability would see DFG requests prioritised for the first time, with those no -urgent requests essentially forming a waiting list. This method would be kept under review, with lobbying for increased funding continuing.

With regard to feedback, it was explained that customer satisfaction feedback was sought from each service user, the details of which would be fed through the Progress and Delivery reporting. The introduction of a Performance Improvement Plan was noted, initiated through the Progress and Delivery reporting process, with its implementation being another tool in use to improve the DFG workflow and process.

Note:              Councillor C. Grimble arrived in the Chamber at 6.48pm

Following a question from the Chairman enquiring as to the success or otherwise of the telephone consultations, it was explained that the introduction of the telephone contact was an additional step and had led to a reduction in the number of home visits being requested. The referral form was a 37-page long document and there had been positive feedback regarding the benefit of going through the questions over the phone compared with just posting the form to be completed and returned. Whilst the telephone contact was an additional demand on Officer time, it had proved worthwhile with both the success of completing the forms first time and also the reduced number of home visits being undertaken to complete the paperwork.

The Chairman, Vice Chairman and Committee Members reiterated their thanks to the Manager and the Team, not only for their work in improving the service delivery but also for the nature of the work they undertook, being of great importance across the district.

The Chairman read aloud the printed recommendations contained within the report and having been proposed and seconded, it was unanimously

            RESOLVED that

a)    the service improvements to, and current challenges faced within, the DFG service be acknowledged; and

b)    lobbying be assisted with, where possible, to improve the West Lindsey DFG budget position.