The Director of Regeneration introduced the report of the Director of Care and Health which set out the performance of the Home Adaptation Team for the year 2021/22 and highlighted trends in performance, obstacles that had been encountered and any remedial action taken to address this as well as an update on new initiatives and successes. Officers felt that it was a positive update and a good example of collaborative working that had been developed across the Committees and directorates.

The key performance indicators (KPI’s) were set out in a service level agreement (SLA) in 2019 and covered a wide range of works from grab rails to larger extensions of the homes of disabled clients. Performance of delivery of adaptations during 21/22 was robust, particularly minor works and Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) with 100% of targets hit and 2750 adaptations delivered. Time critical adaptation grants had been introduced for people with terminal diagnoses or those in hospital unable to return home, with the resources having to be increased to meet an increasing demand for the adaptations.

A discussion ensued with members querying the KPI target of 12 months from approval for the completion of major DFG’s and whether this could be revised or improved to get DFG’s completed earlier. It was outlined that this was a national target that Local Authorities were mandated to report on. The vast majority of jobs were rapid adaptation grants and the target for this was 50 working days from receipt of the application and were completed within target.

In response to queries from members regarding time critical adaptations it was outlined that this was something that was being constantly reviewed. The service was focussed on fast tracking applications and in instances where the adaptation did not go ahead it was due to factors out of officers control. Attention was drawn to the appearance of the adaptations by the Chair who noted that they often looked clinical and could be distressing if it reminded clients of their time in hospital.

On a motion by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Gilchrist, it was –

Resolved – That

(1)   the performance of the Home Adaptations Service in 2021/22 be noted.

(2)  A review of the current service level agreement and the KPI’s that accompany it be undertaken by officers.