Example
C applied for a Community Care Grant to help establish a new tenancy after fleeing domestic abuse. The council awarded the items they assessed met their current priority rating (High Most Compelling).
We reviewed the council's records and corresponded with C. Following our review, we changed the council's decision in respect of curtains and cutlery, but did not change any of the other declined items.
Curtains were awarded as we considered they met a high priority need in the circumstances. Having fled domestic abuse, C had a clear need for privacy and a sense of safety within the new tenancy. We considered curtains to be essential in helping C establish a safe and suitable home environment. Cutlery was also awarded as C had no cutlery available to prepare and eat food which is considered essential.
Recommendations
Award curtains for the living room and two bedrooms.
- Award cutlery.
Feedback for the council
- We disagreed with the priority ratings applied to the curtains and cutlery.
- The first tier decision was issued outwith the timescales set out in the guidance.
We asked the council to provide us with confirmation that the award was made within five working days.