Method of Assessment

Applicants are assessed if their housing conditions are worsening a long-term medical condition. Moving to a more suitable home must provide tangible health benefits.

Eligibility for a Medical Award

✔ Granted if:

• A long-term medical condition is being directly worsened by current housing.
• Moving to another property would improve the condition.

✘ Not granted if:

• The issue relates to disrepair, which can be fixed rather than requiring a move.
• The medical condition is temporary (e.g., post-surgery recovery or injury) and expected to improve.
• Daily Living Skills – Ability to manage routines, hygiene, meals, and safety.
• Communication & Social Interaction – Challenges with verbal/non-verbal communication and relationships.
• Sensory Sensitivities – Noise, light, and spatial sensitivities worsened by current housing.
• Emotional Regulation & Behaviour – Anxiety, meltdowns, or shutdowns triggered by environmental stressors.
• Mental Health – Coexisting conditions such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD may require additional support.

Consideration of Autism Spectrum and other Fluctuating Conditions

Some conditions, such as autism, ADHD, ME/CFS, and other neurodevelopmental or chronic illnesses, may present with a wide range of symptoms and functional abilities that fluctuate over time. These must be carefully considered when assessing housing need.

Functional Impact Assessment May Include:

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must submit clear, relevant evidence describing their condition and its impact. All documents should be scanned or high-quality photos.

✔ Acceptable documents:

• The confirmed medical diagnosis.
• Recent, current and relevant medical reports from specialists ie: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), OT, MSK, Rheumatology, Physio, Neurology, Psychiatrist.
• Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
• Sensory profiles, adaptive behaviour assessments, or reports detailing environmental needs.
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• Medical information should accurately reflect the current condition. For example, details about sleeping difficulties experienced at age three may no longer be relevant if the child is now ten years old.
• Hospital discharge summaries or brief medical records from a GP or consultant. ie. You can ask the receptionists at your GP's surgery for “Patient Summary' this is a print-out summary of your history and diagnoses and should be provided free of charge.
• Occupational Therapy (OT) or physiotherapy reports (particularly for mobility-related housing needs). If you have been assessed to use a wheelchair/electric scooter, we need proof of when you have been assessed to use it e.g. for outdoor use only or full-time.
• Independent medical assessments confirming that the condition is being worsened by current accommodation.
• If an additional bedroom is required, this must be supported by a medical practitioner’s report outlining the reason for the separate bedroom.
• If an additional bedroom is required for a carer, you will need to provide proof to have been formally assessed for permanent overnight care. The council will not normally agree to award an additional bedroom where there is a need for occasional overnight care.
• Copies of current prescription.
• Appointment letters (e.g., hospital, doctor, or other health services).
• Photos of scars or wounds.
• Irrelevant medical records not related to current health concerns.
• Medical information that does not accurately reflect the current condition
• Confirmation of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) (these do not determine housing need).

✘ Do NOT submit:

• Appointment letters (e.g., hospital, doctor, or other health services).
• Photos of scars or wounds.
• Irrelevant medical records not related to current health concerns.
• Medical information that does not accurately reflect the current condition
• Confirmation of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) (these do not determine housing need).