1)        that the Director of Adult Social Care be requested introduce a formal fast?track process for home adaptations for individuals with progressive or terminal illnesses such as Motor Neurone Disease (MND), reflecting the approach already used in practice;

2)        that timeframe targets are maintained for adaptations as follows:

·         55 days for simple/minor adaptations

·         Aim to achieve 130 days for complex adaptations, while recognising that major structural works may exceed these timescales due to statutory and technical requirements; and

3)        that the Director of Adult Social Care request that priority is given to urgent and progressive-condition cases to ensure adaptations are delivered as quickly as practicable.

To respond to the Motion in respect of MND.

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This decision will come into force and may be implemented on 2 March 2026 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

The Cabinet considered a motion in relation to Motor Neurone Disease and how the Council supports local people living with MND to access home adaptions in a timely manner, notice of which was given in accordance with Standing Order A14.

The motion Promoter, Councillor Carter and Supporter, Councillor Long requested the Cabinet consider:

1)      that the Council recognise that people with progressive conditions should be able to apply for adaptations as early as possible following diagnosis, so that their future needs can be anticipated rather than responded to in crisis; and

2)      the Council recognises that early interventions can save the taxpayer money by enabling people to manage their condition more effectively and reducing the need for critical interventions at a later stage.

The Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, Councillor Tranter advised the Cabinet of the following:

Torbay Council does not currently operate a formal fast-track system specifically for MND, however the approach described within the Motion is already being implemented in practice.

Fast-tracking for progressive illnesses is already a standard practice for the Council.  While the Housing Assistance Policy does not explicitly reference MND, Officers routinely fast-track cases where the illness is progressive and the need for adaptation is urgent.  Referrals originate through Occupational Therapy colleagues and active discussions are held to ensure that fast-tracking occurs consistently and at the earliest point for individuals with rapidly progressing conditions. 

Torbay Council are satisfied that including a clear statement within the Housing Assistance Policy, confirming that cases involving rapidly progressing illnesses would be fast-tracked and would present no operational issues.  This amendment to the Policy would formalise and clarify a process that is already in place and functioning well. 

In light of the above, Councillor Tranter proposed and Councillor Jackie Thomas seconded a motion that was agreed unanimously, as set out above.

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