Phone line closure

Our phone line will be closed Thursday 7 May for an all-staff training day. Please leave a message with your name and phone number and we will return your call after 2.30pm. Alternatively, our phone line will reopen at 10am on Friday 8 May.

You can still request a review via our online form. 

Case study

  • Date:
    February 2026
  • Category:
    Meeting the need

Example

C applied for a community care grant for a washing machine as the one they had was no longer working. C explained that a washing machine is essential for them as they have significant continence and mobility issues.

The council awarded a 6kg washing machine. C appealed this decision, requesting a 9kg washing machine due to the volume of laundry they need to do. The council did not change their decision.

We reviewed the council's file and spoke with C. The guidance clearly states that a large capacity washing machine can be awarded where there will be heavy use, which is the case for C. We changed the council’s decision. 

Recommendations

  • Award a 9kg washing machine.

Feedback

  • The guidance supports award of large capacity washing machines where they will be in heavy use.

Updated: February 17, 2026