A council tenant is in an ongoing clash for improvements to his living conditions.
Craig Faulkner lives with his wife and two dogs in a council home in Lower Earley, near the Loddon Valley Leisure Centre.
He has a spinal condition that makes getting about difficult. He is unable to go upstairs and has been provided with a fall alarm for emergencies.
Although he was provided with a hospital-style bed on March 29 last year, he is unable to get to the bathroom facilities on the first floor.
He has therefore asked for a stair lift to be installed in the property, a request that has been refused by an occupational therapist (OT) appointed by Wokingham Borough Council.
Mr Faulkner said: “I walk with a frame, but they still say no, no, no.
“No alternative has been offered. I have a hospital bed but no washing facilities on the ground floor.”
He claims the previous OT from the council, his GP, and a spinal consultant have agreed that he requires a stair lift.
However, a report provided to Mr Faulkner by the council’s current OT refused the request.
The report states: “I am writing to you following the assessment that took place at your home to assess your need for adaptations.
“The assessment has a holistic approach and takes into consideration supporting evidence provided by yourself as well as evidence from other professionals to ensure that a holistic and multidisciplinary approach has been taken when considering your needs. This is the case for all assessments that take place.
“During the assessment that took place at your home, other than you opening the door to myself and the colleague who attended with me, you declined to engage in any additional physical aspects of the assessment including showing us around your property.
“Taking into consideration the above, as well as the information obtained from you at the time of the assessment – I do not feel that I am able to support or recommend any adaptations to your property at this time.
“If your needs were to change in the future, then please contact adult social care for further assessment.”
Mr Faulkner has disputed the conclusions, he said: “They are doing things wrongfully.”
The clash over the stair lift comes amid ongoing issues with black mould and disrepair at the home.
The council attempted to get rid of the mould in 2022, with Mr Faulkner, his wife and dogs being put in temporary accommodation at the time.
However, the mould has since re-emerged.
Mr Faulkner recently had Biocraft contractors use a fogging procedure in a temporary measure to get rid of the mould.
Photos provided show floorboards damaged due to damp and mould.
He has also claimed that the council is seeking to evict his family.
The council has declined to comment.
