A disabled man claims he has been left unable to bathe properly as funds are not available to install a special shower in his Leytonstone home

Malcolm Dodd, a CBHA tenant of Peach Grove, Leytonstone, suffered a stroke in 2006, causing paralysis down one side of his body.

The stroke left him wheelchair-bound and forced him to leave his job as a painter and decorator, as well as his home in Orange Grove, Leytonstone.

His wife, Patricia, 50, who is his full-time carer, said: “We've just been pushed from pillar to post. They haven't got the money to do it because of cut-backs.

“We were supposed to get the grant money this April. I've phoned everybody and no one seems to be interested.”

Now 60, Mr Dodd has been living on the estate for 38 years.

He and his family moved to a ground floor flat in Peach Grove to accommodate his needs but the flat only has a bath, which he is unable to use.

Mr Dodd said: “I just have to wash in the basin. My wife helps me but it's affecting the way I live.”

Housing association CBHA applied for a grant through the council, but were told there was no money to pay for the shower, the family claim.

And the strain is now starting to affect their 13-year-old son, Connor.

Mrs Dodd said: “He doesn't like seeing his dad struggle. He gets upset and he just cries.”

Cllr Liz Phillips, cabinet member for health, adult and older people, said: “Registered social landlords like CBHA are required to explore all possible avenues of funding for adaptations, and to ensure they have a realistic budget allowance for them, before they ask the council for grant funding.

The council is dedicated to providing the highest standards of care to our residents, and is contacting CBHA to ensure these guidelines have been followed.

“The council is currently identifying additional resources for home adaptations to see if the waiting list can be reduced.

"Those people who are waiting will be offered a high level of support while they are waiting, including access to home carers and occupational therapists.”