Example
C applied for a Crisis Grant for food after spending their money on alcohol and gambling during a mental health episode.
The council declined the application on the basis that C had already received three awards in the last 12-month period which is the usual maximum allowed. They did not identify any exceptional circumstances that would allow for an additional award to be made.
We reviewed the council’s file and spoke with C. We agreed with the council's assessment on the basis that C had applied under similar circumstances within the last 12 months. Therefore, we did not change their decision.
Feedback for the council
- When considering if a situation was avoidable, consideration should be given to potential addiction issues and how this may impact capacity to control spending.
- The decision letters could have provided a clearer outline of the conditions that need to be satisfied in order for an exceptional award to be made.