Example
C applied for money to cover food and utility costs, having incurred additional expenses while temporarily staying in another local authority area to support a seriously ill family member.
The council initially declined the application, assessing that C was not resident in their area and advised them to apply to the authority where they were temporarily staying. At first-tier review, the decision was upheld on the same grounds. C subsequently applied to the second local authority, which also declined the application, citing non-residency.
We reviewed the council’s file and spoke with C. We were satisfied that C was still resident in their home local authority and was only temporarily away. There was no evidence to suggest otherwise and C was still returning to their home local authority for medical appointments. We changed the council's decision and instructed them to award £141.45.
Recommendations
- Award £141.45.
Feedback for the council
- They incorrectly interpreted the residency situation.
- The initial decision was made outwith the timescales set out in the guidance.
We have asked the council to provide us with confirmation that the award was made within one working day.