Use of a bedroom for a disability.

[Paul Walton]

I have a dependent child who lives with us, who has ADHD and receives DLA for this.

When he becomes heightened, we have a loft conversion that is his space where he can self-regulate and settle down somewhat.

I have been advised the LA will potentially give us a discount on council tax, providing someone living in the house has a 'severe mental illness'

- what does this mean, and how does the LA interpret this?

Is it up to a non-medically trained person at the LA, or is ADHD considered by law to be a 'severe mental illness' .

Given a consultant diagnoses it - they should know more than a LA admin person?

[Paul Walton]

Thank you for the prompt response. It's DLA, and he has been in receipt for about two years. I assume this can only be claimed from the date of the claim - not when DLA was awarded?

Is it a % discount or a reduction in banding?

[Paul Walton]

I'm just getting things lined up; I've found the LA to be less than helpful when it's about funding.

That's great. I will get on with it.

Many thanks,

Paul

[Paul Walton]

Many thanks , i will update you how I get on.

All the best,

Paul

[Paul Walton]

That is encouraging. We have social workers, doctors, teachers, and consultants, including the DLA, who seem to agree on the diagnosis.

 

[Paul Walton]

I have a foster child with a disability ( autism), and at times, when he is heightened, the best way for him to regulate himself is to have some space and his electronic drum kit.

Fortunately, we have a pretty big house and have converted the attic for this purpose.

The LA have inspected today, and I don't foresee a problem with them granting me a lower council tax band.

Assuming this happens, am I entitled to have this backdated from when he arrived

- two years ago, or will I only be able to claim the discount from the time I applied?

I hope this is clear.

Thanks - Paul

 

[Paul Walton]

I did the online version; I can't remember what date I put on the form, to be honest.