Example
C applied for assistance to travel abroad due to a family emergency.
The council initially declined the application on the basis that travel costs are excluded from the Scottish Welfare Fund under Annex A. At first tier review, C explained that they had travelled to Italy but still needed support with their living costs. The council decided that C was not in crisis as they had remaining funds available within their overdraft facility so did not meet the qualifying criteria for a Crisis Grant.
We reviewed the council's file and contacted C. We concluded that the need occurred outside the UK and was therefore excluded from the Fund. We did not change the council’s decision.
Recommendations
- None
Feedback for the council
- Needs arising outside the UK are excluded from the Scottish Welfare Fund under Annex A (1) and this should have been the basis for the decision.
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The initial decision letter referred to the incorrect exclusion category.