Example
C applied for a community care grant for several household items as they were moving into their first tenancy.
The Council declined the application, determining that C's circumstances did not match any of the qualifying criteria for a grant. At first-tier review, the decision was changed. The Council assessed that C was under ‘exceptional pressure’ and made an award for some of the items deemed to meet high most compelling priority.
We reviewed the Council's file and spoke with C, who provided information about their situation and health issues. We agreed with the Council’s decision and did not award any further items.
C then asked for a reconsideration of the decision regarding a washing machine. To support this, they provided new information about their health problems. They explained that their mobility issues prevent them from using laundrettes. Based on this, we changed the original decision and awarded a washing machine. The reconsideration request was upheld based on ‘new information’.
Recommendations
- Award a washing machine
Feedback for the Council
- The first-tier decision letter did not contain sufficient information regarding why the decision was changed and an award was made.
We asked the organisation to provide us with confirmation that the award was made within one week.