Lettings Policy

Tower Hamlets Lettings Policy135. Please Note: A priority medical awardis not given on the basis of the medicalcondition or disability alone but uponthe effect the housing circumstancesare having on a long term and seriousmedical condition or disability.136. We will also consider if where you livenow can be reasonably adapted to meetyour needs. It may also be that there arecombinations of serious health ordisability concerns that mean that thehealth or quality of life of a household isbeing severely affected.Examples include:• the current home does notreasonably allow essential healthtreatment there e.g. renal dialysis;• the ability to live independently in thecommunity is at risk without suitable• accommodation;• someone is housebound, effectivelyhousebound or cannot reasonablyaccess the essential facilities in theirhome;• if there are critical concerns aboutsomeone’s safety e.g. through fallsdue to difficulties with access.137. Applicants in Bands 1, 2 or 3 who areawarded priority medical status will beplaced in Band 1 Group B (unless theyare already in Group A as an underoccupier). Your preference date will thedate you applied for the assessment.138. If your application is in Band 4 and youdo not have a local connection or youhave an interest in a property, a decisionwill be made at the time of receiving areport from the Health Advisors as towhether unreasonable hardship wouldoccur if your application remained inBand 4. Each case will be looked at onits merits, for example consideration willbe given to whether your property couldbe adapted. All other applicants in Band4 who are awarded priority medicalstatus after an assessment will beplaced in Band 1 Group B.Emergency Medical139. This is the highest priority award andwill normally be considered where thecriteria for a priority medical award ismet and one or more of the followingconditions also applies:• someone is in hospital/residentialcare and cannot return homebecause it is not suitable;• there is a risk to life;• there are exceptional circumstances• when the Adult Services Directoratemakes a nomination under theIndependent Living and CommunitySupport Scheme (see priority targetgroups in Band 1 Group B below140. When awarded emergency medicalstatus, the application will be placed inBand 1 Group A. The preference datewill be the date the award was made.Applicants awarded emergency priorityare considered first when bidding forthe available homes.Other Recommendationsthat can be made on healthgrounds141. The Health Advisors can also makerecommendations about the type ofproperty that is most suitable on healthgrounds. This can include access,essential facilities (including bathroomand toilet), space, location and heatingor access to a garden.142. When a property with one of thesefeatures is advertised, preference for itwill be given to applicants where arecommendation by Health Advisorshave been accepted.143. If a specific recommendation has beenmade by the Health Advisor that aspecific type of home or facilities are23