Hi - I am a retired team mgr of a Fostering & Adoption team for a LA, but worked independently after retiring, mostly doing SGO assessments for LAs. Firstly can I say that court cases almost always drag on and on and there are so many Directions Hearings before the Final Hearing. The court timetable should be set out and the Directions Hearings are to ensure that this is being followed. The thing is that there are so many assessments going on with the birthparents, psychologists, sometimes psychiatrists if there are mental health problems, social workers reports, guardians reports etc and if deadlines are not met, then there is a delay and often that can mean a delay of several weeks. All this is very frustrating for people in your position I know, but it is seldom the fault of the social worker.
You mention Nanashell that you have an independent assessor and I think it would be a good idea to ask him/her for advice as they will have more experience usually and the time to go through the court process with you. I used to always use the first session of an assessment in explaining the process and stressing that delays can occur.
Some of the applicants that I assessed for an SGO had a solicitor and others didn't, but it might be a good idea in your case, as it sounds like your daughter is opposed to the plan for the SGO in your favour. Mind having said that, I have not met a birthparent who IS in favour of the plan, because they have all wanted their child/ren back, when in every case I did no children were returned to the birthparents and the SGO was granted.
I can't believe that the LA have got you spending all that money on equipment before the SGO has been granted and I can't help wondering if they are trying t save money. Alongside the SGO report the LA have to do an "Assessment of Need" on yourselves, and this includes issues of finance and in particular any equipment you may need, and on going financial support, and this Assessment goes to the Judge with all the rest of the documents.
The other thing is that once an SGO is awarded to the applicants (usually the grandparents) then that legally immediately transfers the PR (parental Responsibility) from the LA to the SGO holders. However sometimes there can be an agreement between the applicants and the foster carers for the child to remain for a very short time, but for a specific reason. I remember a case I did and the grandparents needed to get the equipment and also needed to have a stair rail fitted and so it was agreed that the child would stay with the foster carers while they did this work. However legally the moment the SGO is made, you have the right to have the child placed with you.