Example
C applied for a community care grant for a number of items for their tenancy.
The council declined the application as they assessed that C's circumstances did not match any of the qualifying criteria for a grant.
As part of our review, we examined the council’s file and spoke with C. We noted that C is in recovery from substance addiction and has ongoing mental health issues. The family is also experiencing exclusion within their community, and C’s child has been subjected to bullying at school.
Taking all of these factors into account, we assessed that the household was experiencing exceptional pressure. We therefore instructed the council to award the items that met high priority.
Recommendations
- Award a living room carpet and two bedroom carpets as these items met high priority.
Feedback for the council
- The council did not make sufficient enquiries with the applicant or their representative prior to making their decisions.