‘Martha’* (name changed) cares for her child, who has a disability. She had previously applied for a Disabilities Facilities Grant (DFG) to go towards the creation of a safe area for her child to play in the family’s garden. However, her application was rejected on the basis that it “did not meet legislation”.
Martha wanted an explanation as to why, and how, the decision to refuse the application was made, and how the conclusion that it did not meet legislative requirements was reached. She reached out to Cloverleaf for help making a complaint.
Cloverleaf appointed Martha an Advocate, ‘Gemma’*, who helped her to articulate her questions about the decision-making process and lay out her desired outcomes. Martha wanted the council to reconsider her grant application, recognise how the lack of access to a safe place to play affected her child’s wellbeing, and ultimately make the funding available for the necessary work in the garden. Gemma supported her to write and submit a letter to the council.
The council responded by appointing an investigator, who reviewed the legislation which informed the original decision. The investigation found updated guidance from 2022 which included provision for ensuring safe movement “in and around the garden,” including for “playing or supervising play.” The decision was made that the family were indeed eligible for the DFG.
Martha received an apology for the council’s failure to thoroughly consider all aspects of legislation during the initial panel decision. A DFG was awarded, and a DFG officer visited the family’s home to arrange a survey to help progress the levelling of a section of the garden and the safe placement of play equipment.
A play area will be constructed and survey work has already begun. Martha told Gemma she had got the result she wanted and was “really happy” to know she would soon have a garden that meets her child’s physical, mental and emotional needs.
