Example
C applied for money for food, toiletries, bus fares and clothing. They have returned from Australia with their two children and are awaiting their first payment of benefits.
The council made an initial award for 14 days on the basis that the duration of the crisis was unknown at that stage. Following the first tier review, C advised they had exhausted their funds. The council awarded C for a further 14 days and referred C to our office.
We reviewed the council's file and spoke with C. We assessed that the council should have awarded C up to their first payment of benefits rather than just for 14 days.
Recommendations
- We instructed the council to make an award of £196.39 to cover food and utilities until C’s next Universal Credit payment date, based on the recommended daily rate in the guidance.
Feedback for the council
- Guidance was not followed in respect of how the council calculated the length of the crisis.
- Guidance was not followed in respect of how the council calculated the initial award.
- Guidance was not followed in respect of the excluded items.
We have asked the council to provide us with confirmation that the award was made within one working day.