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Annual Report of the Ombudsman 2008 (text version)

5.2.7 Selected Cases - Complainant gets €2,000 essential repairs grant for roof repairs

Westmeath County Council refused a pensioner’s application for an Essential Repairs Grant (ERG). The ERG is designed to assist older people to repair damage to their homes.

The council refused the application on the basis that:

1. Not all persons living in the dwelling were over 65 (the complainant was aged 68 at the time of the application, while his wife, who was on an invalidity pension, was then aged 62),
2. The applicant had carried out the work without 'prior approval' from the council, and
3. The repairs to his roof did not comply with building regulations.

Having examined the complaint my Office pointed out to the council that:

1. While the council's scheme states that all persons living with the applicant must be "at least 65 years of age", the regulations governing the scheme place no restriction on age - other local authorities refer to applicants and residents being required to be 'over 60',
2. There is no reference to the need for 'prior approval' on the application form, or accompanying guidance note for the ERG scheme, and
3. The complainant had provided independent evidence that the roof complied with the building regulations.

Following our intervention, the council reviewed its decision and awarded the complainant a grant of €2,000.

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