Asking us to reconsider our decision

Our role is to make an independent decision based on all relevant facts and evidence. This includes carefully considering information from both you and the council.

We will work with you and the council to make sure the facts are accurate. While we take this fully into account, it is our role to assess the evidence and reach a final decision through our independent review process.

You can only ask for a reconsideration in certain circumstances (see below). We will not accept a request if you simply disagree with our decision.

Anyone who has received a decision from us – either an individual or a council –can ask us to reconsider.

Grounds for reconsideration

These are some possible examples of where we may reconsider our decision:

• we did not apply the relevant guidance or legislation properly
• our decision was based on a mistake in the facts which can be shown using available information
• we acted unreasonably or disproportionately or showed bias in making our decision
• where you have new information that
  • was not available at the time
  • could affect the decision

Important: We can only consider information that relates to the time when the council made its decision. If your circumstances have changed since then, you should consider making a new application.

If you are unsure whether your request meets these grounds, please contact us to discuss before submitting your request for reconsideration. If you give us new information we may share this with the council so they have the opportunity to consider it before we make a decision on your request.

The council can also ask us to reconsider our decision. If this happens, we may share any new information with you so you can comment.

You should request a reconsideration within one month of receiving our decision. We will not normally accept a request that arrives late unless you can show special circumstances that mean you could not meet the time limit. This also applies to the council.

What happens next?

We will write to you to confirm we have received your request within one working day of receiving it.

We aim to provide a full response:

• Crisis Grants
  • For applicants: one working day after receiving all the information we need to make our decision
  • For councils: 21 working days
• Community Care Grants
  • For applicants and councils: 21 working days from when we get all the information we need to make our decision.

If we need more time to consider your request, we will write to tell you this.