Example
C applied for a community care grant to improve the condition of their home after a period of neglect. Their mental health had been poor following a stroke.
The council declined the application because the items C applied for were assessed as being low priority.
We reviewed the council's file and spoke with C. They explained that they had health issues which led them to neglect themselves and their home. They needed help from the fund to improve the condition of their home and create a safer environment as they had mobility issues. Based on the information C provided, we assessed that some of the items met the necessary priority to be awarded.
Recommendations
- Award a fridge freezer, living room carpet, hall, stair & landing carpet, and bedroom carpet.
Feedback for the council
- The council did not make sufficient follow-up enquiries based on the information provided about the applicant’s circumstances when considering the priority level of the items.
- The decision making notes did not provide clear information about how the council assessed the qualifying criteria or each items priority assessment.
We have asked the organisation to provide us with confirmation that the award was made within one week.