Renting from council and need wheelchair friendly property (2025)

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brianfaescotland Posts: 34 Forumite

13 March at 7:55AM in

Good day all , firstly apologies if grammar not good brain is slower these days as is my typing finger anyway.
situation is we rent from council and in bungalow at present but as now have to use wheelchair for 6-8 hours daily to rest spine due to a condition that I cannot be operated on . The bungalow at present has some adaptations but not what is considered wheelchair friendly, I cannot acccess front door by ramp but can only use hallway and kitchen and cannot go out back door to garden . My question is what if any legislation is out there to help when I meet with council next week regarding being moved to a more suitable property? I feel at present stuck and having to decide not to use the chair to get about home although it is very difficult and not helping me long term . The nhs gave me the wheelchair as medical equipment to use indoor and out but struggle to do so due to lack of space and even reaching things so have no option but keep getting up out chair . I do hope this makes sense and any help be appreciated.

silvercar Posts: 48,911 Ambassador

13 March at 8:06AM

I don’t know about legislation, but a friend was in a similar situation and the council adapted the current home to suit. Additional ramps were installed outside the front door and from the back garden.

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elsien Posts: 35,242 Forumite

13 March at 9:03AM edited 13 March at 9:04AM

Scroll down for Scotland if your house may be suitable for adaptations. Have you had an OT assessment to show that the current property isn’t suitable? Councils like evidence.
You can request a move, but there is likely to be a long wait for a suitable property to come up. Whatever the legislation may say, they can only offer you a property if they have it in the first place and there will be other people in the queue in front of you.
https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/resources/housing-grants#:~:text=Housing%20grants%20in%20Scotland,-In%20Scotland%2C%20under&text=If%20you%20are%20a%20home,or%20sink%20or%20a%20toilet.

All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.
Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.
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brianfaescotland Posts: 34 Forumite

13 March at 9:20AM

Thanks for replies I have had it requested regarding the council proof I was done previously by of but condition was not as bad then and before wheelchair. The place I in has some adaptations but not made for wheelchair use the doors can’t be widened at front or a couple inside . I will see what said next week thanks for help much appreciated
elsien Posts: 35,242 Forumite

13 March at 9:28AM edited 13 March at 9:50AM

I think if you are able to get an updated OT assessment that may help your case. The front door doesn't need to be widened if they are able to put a ramp at the back for you to get in and out that way (if your garden has a way out to the street) - it only needs one accessible entrance (that is the case in my area in England anyway.)
So you may need to concentrate on the indoor accessibility issues and their impact.
However if you don't need the wheelchair all the time, other options may need to be ruled out. For example if the kitchen is not wheelchair accessible but you can walk in and use a perching stool, that would be considered as sufficient in some circumstances.
ETA - you could also try Shelter Scotland for more advice?

All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.
Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.