To consider the following Motion in the names of Councillors Masood Ahmed, Darwan, Scott, Daji, H Zaman, A Zaman, Anwar, Kahut and Hussain;
“This Council notes that:
Motor neurone disease (MND) is one of the most devastating and unforgiving conditions imaginable. It advances with a cruel and relentless pace, leaving families little time to adjust to the profound changes it brings. A third of those diagnosed will die within a year; half within two. For those living with MND, every day truly matters.
In such circumstances, a safe and accessible home becomes far more than bricks and mortar: it becomes security, independence, dignity and comfort at a time when these are most fragile. Yet the swiftness with which MND progresses means that home adaptations must be provided not merely promptly, but with genuine urgency.
At present, Kirklees Council does not publish a fast-track process with defined, shortened statutory timescales for Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) applications. While it is acknowledged that urgent cases are prioritised through the Council’s triage system, this informal approach, however well-intentioned, does not offer the clarity, consistency or speed required by those whose needs can change dramatically in a matter of weeks.
The Motor Neurone Disease Association, in its report A Lifeline Not a Luxury, highlights examples of best practice across the country and recommends the creation of formal fast-track pathways for people with progressive and terminal illnesses. These systems ensure that vital adaptations are delivered swiftly, sparing families avoidable distress and preventing crises that carry greater emotional and financial costs.
This Council believes:
That every resident facing a progressive or terminal condition deserves a timely, compassionate and clearly defined route to the support they urgently require.
That early and decisive intervention preserves dignity, reduces avoidable hospital admissions, and protects individuals from becoming trapped in homes no longer suited to their rapidly changing needs.
And that Kirklees should adopt a standard worthy of its values—transparent, humane and fit for the realities of MND.
This Council therefore resolves:
To request that the matter be referred to the Council’s Scrutiny process and that the relevant Scrutiny Panel be requested to review the implementation of (i) to (iv) below;
(i) To publish the Council’s fast-track process for the assessment, approval and delivery of Disabled Facilities Grant home adaptations for residents living with progressive or terminal conditions, including MND.
(ii) To request that any necessary works and adaptions to support residents are carried out within a reasonable timeframe and as soon as is practically possible.
(iii) To ensure that the fast-track process is transparent and accessible to residents, families and professionals, with clear guidance published on the Council’s website
(iv)To request that the Council works in close partnership with local health, social care, and care providers and patient representative organisations to ensure the Council collectively prioritises and responds to urgent health, housing and care needs arising for any residents experiencing any rapidly progressing life-limiting condition, including MND.
In adopting this motion, we affirm that in Kirklees, compassion is not optional, and timeliness is not a courtesy—it is a duty. Though we cannot halt the course of MND, we can ensure that no residents spend a single day longer than necessary waiting for the dignity, comfort and safety they so urgently need.”