ASK JASMINE 6: Does the council have a duty of care?

I am living in a council flat in London and want to find best value for money for a home makeover (new flooring and wall painting). The indoor looks shabby (no flooring and wall paper is very old). The council do not provide any help with this. Could you please advise me where to get help or grant for this work? 

Thank you for your kind reply. 

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Unfortunately, councils no longer offer home repair/improvement grants, due to budget cuts. However, there are some other options you could investigate. 

I’m terminally ill and need carers. I thought the local council had a duty of care to help care for us or help us find private carers to do it. My local council carers got rid of everyone bar me in my area from their books. They are trying to get rid of us too. 

We can’t afford to go private. The local council does assessments to determine what care we need and how much it costs. We pay a lot in care considering I live off benefits. They want to get rid of us and want us to go private, which we can’t afford. Can they force us like that? Do they have a duty of care to us? 

I’m guessing its different in each country. I’m in Scotland. 

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Thank you for getting in contact. I am sorry to hear of your situation with the carers and the council.  

In answer to your question, unfortunately the level of care councils are duty bound to provide is open to interpretation. They should provide you with a certain level of care, depending on your needs, or help you find that provision. 

I spoke to someone at Marie Curie Scotland on your behalf, but she was unable to provide much information without knowing more about your situation. She did say you could contact them directly for more advice and guidance about your rights. The number is 0800 090 2309. 

I have a newspaper issue with the late Queen Elizabeth on it from her jubilee in 2002. I don’t know if anyone would want it or where I could sell it? I’d be grateful for advice. 

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Thank you for getting in contact regarding your newspaper featuring the Queen from 2002. 

I recommend that you list your item on eBay. You can either set a price or offer it up for auction. There are currently a large number of similar items for sale as there is understandably increased interest at the moment. 

It’s worth checking to see what other newspapers are selling for and also check what they are charging for postage. 

Good luck! 

I am in my mid-60s, live alone, and Iam on an income of approx. £600 per month. I am not yet eligible for the state pension and I am not eligible for universal credit. There doesn’t seem to be the same help available for the likes of me, as those on benefits or state pension. 

I have received some money from my local authority and have been recently awarded a grant towards heating from the Home Heating Support Fund. I am glad of these amounts, but they are not on a par with the amounts of money available to those I have just mentioned. 

Any advice appreciated. 

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From what I have read in your message, you are doing everything that I would have suggested. You have contacted the council for extra help and you have applied for grants.  

I think the best advice we can give is for you to contact an organisation like the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which specialises in help for people on lower incomes. They are experts in this field and may be able to offer advice and guidance. The phone number is 01904 629241. 

We do get other queries like yours – from people who fall in the gaps between low income and benefits. If I find out anything more, I will get back in contact with you. I would also be very interested to hear how you get on. It is an area that needs attention and addressing. 

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