Example
C applied for a community care grant after their family became homeless following domestic abuse. C had also experienced the bereavement of a child and was suffering from a serious illness. The application requested several household items and flooring.
The council awarded a single bed, mattress, fridge freezer, and cooker but declined the other items as not meeting High Most Compelling (HMC) priority. After further information from C’s representative, two additional beds were granted, but other items remained refused.
At independent review, we noted that C was starting dialysis and receiving support from charities and social work. We found that the council had not acted on C’s request for an interpreter and made no further enquiries. We revised the decision, awarding flooring and curtains at High Most Compelling (HMC) priority, taking into account C’s health needs, the family’s trauma, and the rights and vulnerabilities of the children. We concluded the council did not have sufficient information to make a robust decision.
Recommendations
- We instructed the council to award a living room carpet, three-bedroom carpets, kitchen and bathroom lino, four sets of curtains.
Feedback for the council
- The council did not make sufficient enquiries.
- The council did not follow the guidance when C asked for an interpreter.
- The council issued the first tier decision outwith the target timescales.