Example
C applied for a community care grant for flooring for their home. They have weekly shared care of their pre‑school children, and the exposed concrete floors posed a risk of injury, potentially affecting their care arrangements.
The council refused the application, assessing that the qualifying criteria for an award were not met. C’s representative then asked the SPSO to review the decision not to award carpets and vinyl.
We reviewed the council’s file and engaged with C’s representative. C was receiving support from a family centre and participating in an intensive mental health programme related to chronic pain and PTSD. There were concerns that shared care could be withdrawn because of the risk to the children if they fell on the concrete floors.
Taking account of ‘Children whose rights under the UNCRC Act may be impacted’ under Annex C of the guidance, we assessed that the qualifying criteria relating to exceptional pressure were met. We changed the council’s decision and awarded carpets for the sitting room and two bedrooms, as these met the high‑priority criteria.
Recommendations
- Award carpets for the two bedrooms and sitting room
Feedback for the Council
- The council did not fully consider the impact on children’s rights under the UNCRC when assessing vulnerability.