Example
C applied for a community care grant for a double bedding set and duvet.
The council declined the application as C’s circumstances did not meet any of the qualifying criteria for a grant. They also noted that C had previously been awarded a single bedding set through a recent application, and therefore considered the need to have been met.
We reviewed the council's file and spoke to C. C confirmed that they have a double bed and that a single bedding set did not meet their need. They also outlined longstanding, complex health conditions, including colorectal issues, which resulted in higher than normal volumes of laundry. Therefore, extra bedding was required.
We were satisfied that the exceptional pressure criteria was met and that C qualified for a grant. We also assessed that the application for double bedding met the council's medium priority level.
Recommendations
- Award C a double bedding pack including a duvet.
Feedback for the council
- The council were incorrect to assess the qualifying criteria related to exceptional pressure was not met.
- There was sufficient information available to the council for them to be satisfied that C had a double bed.
We have asked the organisation to provide us with confirmation that the award was made within one week.