Example
C applied for a community care grant as their cooker had stopped working. They explained that they have no alternative cooking facilities and are reliant on takeaway and prepared food. C also noted they suffer from mental and physical health issues.
The council declined the application on the basis that C's circumstances did not match any of the qualifying criteria for a grant.
We reviewed the council's file and spoke with C. They explained that they have ongoing mental health issues which are not yet stable. In addition to this they are caring for their adult child who has significant mental health issues of their own. We assessed that C was facing exceptional pressure and qualified for a grant. We changed the council’s decision.
Recommendations
- Award C a cooker on the basis that this item met high priority.
Feedback for the council: - The council did not make sufficient follow-up enquiries based on the information provided on the application about the applicant’s circumstances.
We have asked the council to provide us with confirmation that the award was made within one working day.