A COUNCIL has apologised for the long delay that forced a disabled woman to sleep, eat, and wash in her downstairs living room.

Slough Borough Council took almost a year to approve a chairlift application for the woman, who was unable to access her upstairs bedroom and bathroom without assistance.

The lady, who is anonymised, applied for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) in May 2021 but the local authority failed to provide the funds in a timely manner.

The council has apologised and made a payment of £3,350 to the resident for her time and distress.

READ MORE: Slough disabled woman forced to sleep & wash in living room

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) investigated the matter after the resident complained. Michael King from the watchdog found the council’s operation of the waiting list to submit DFG applications was at odds with the guidance.

Mr King recommended the council scrap its DFG minor works waiting list process applications in line with statutory timeframes and review its DFG policy and arrangements with local housing associations.

A report that highlights the lessons learned and an action plan in response to the findings will go to cabinet on November 21. The people scrutiny panel will also set up a task and finish group to review the council’s complaint procedures against the LGSCO’s best practice guidance.

READ MORE: Slough School Street trialled at Langley's Holy Family Catholic School

Councillor Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for social care and public health, said: “On behalf of Slough Borough Council, I would like to apologise unreservedly to this resident.

“Our staff work extremely hard to make sure everyone receives the help they need, but in this case, we did not get it right.

“Our focus now is on taking the recommendations from the LGSCO and improving our policy and service to ensure this doesn’t happen again. We will continue to work with this resident to make sure her needs are being met."