Staying in the existing home and adapting the home environment may not always be the best solution. The Council has exercised its discretion to make use of powers to provide discretionary assistance in the form of a Relocation Support Grant. This grant will provide funding towards relocation costs for homeowners and tenants of RPs where their existing property does not meet their needs or where they no longer need an adapted property. If the property is under occupied and the occupant is eligible for a downsizing grant this will be used to contribute towards any relocation costs. Where it is not reasonable or practicable to adapt due to the presence of major hazards or the property is not structurally suitable for adaptation, relocation to alternative accommodation may be recommended. In such circumstances the service user will be advised of the recommendation to relocate and supported to find suitable alternative accommodation. When determining whether relocation is an appropriate option, officers will take account of a person’s circumstances including the needs of the disabled person, their carers’ and family so as to ensure the outcome does not create difficulties. Due to the shortage of adapted/accessible homes officers should consider relocation throughout Cornwall however the following factors will be taken into account: Any established local support network, the degree of support provided and whether this would be significantly reduced if the service user were to move Any impact on care provision, both informal and formal care The location of the existing home and its access to local amenities such as GP, shops, clubs, transport links, which the customer uses In the case of a disabled child, where the child is settled into local schools or has non-disabled siblings settled in local schools Any issues that may restrict choice such as the need to secure shared ownership, employment issues etc. If, after considering the factors above, the OT and the disabled person consider relocation is the most appropriate solution the OT will make a referral to the Housing Solutions team/CH ltd who will explore the feasibility of suitable alternative accommodation. The OT may recommend minor adaptations or equipment to manage and reduce risks until such time as suitable accommodation is secured.
Staying in the existing home and adapting the home environment may not always be the best solution. The Council has exercised its discretion to make use of powers to provide discretionary assistance in the form of a Relocation Support Grant. This grant will provide funding towards relocation costs for homeowners and tenants of RPs where their existing property does not meet their needs or where they no longer need an adapted property. If the property is under occupied and the occupant is eligible for a downsizing grant this will be used to contribute towards any relocation costs. Where it is not reasonable or practicable to adapt due to the presence of major hazards or the property is not structurally suitable for adaptation, relocation to alternative accommodation may be recommended. In such circumstances the service user will be advised of the recommendation to relocate and supported to find suitable alternative accommodation. When determining whether relocation is an appropriate option, officers will take account of a person’s circumstances including the needs of the disabled person, their carers’ and family so as to ensure the outcome does not create difficulties. Due to the shortage of adapted/accessible homes officers should consider relocation throughout Cornwall however the following factors will be taken into account: Any established local support network, the degree of support provided and whether this would be significantly reduced if the service user were to move Any impact on care provision, both informal and formal care The location of the existing home and its access to local amenities such as GP, shops, clubs, transport links, which the customer uses In the case of a disabled child, where the child is settled into local schools or has non-disabled siblings settled in local schools Any issues that may restrict choice such as the need to secure shared ownership, employment issues etc. If, after considering the factors above, the OT and the disabled person consider relocation is the most appropriate solution the OT will make a referral to the Housing Solutions team/CH ltd who will explore the feasibility of suitable alternative accommodation. The OT may recommend minor adaptations or equipment to manage and reduce risks until such time as suitable accommodation is secured.
home-solutions-policy-appendices-2016.docx