Example
C applied for funding for clothing, bedding, carpets, and a wardrobe.
The council declined the application, noting that clothing was excluded under Annex A of the guidance as an ongoing need, and the remaining items did not meet the High Most Compelling (HMC) priority level.
During our review, we examined the council’s file and spoke with C, who advised they had recently been referred for medical assessment and were awaiting an appointment. While we considered that C was highly vulnerable, we could not establish that they were at immediate risk of losing their tenancy if the items were not awarded therefore the threshold for High Most Compelling was not met. We therefore upheld the council’s decision.
Feedback for the council
- Decision notes and letters should contain accurate information.
- Decisions should be made within the timescales set out in the guidance.