Example
C applied for several items for their tenancy after moving through a mutual exchange to be closer to their partner. After moving in, C found that the property was in poor condition and needed replacement flooring.
The council declined the application, as it assessed that none of the qualifying criteria for an award were met. In particular, the council noted that C had viewed the property before agreeing to the move.
We reviewed the council’s case file and spoke directly with C to gather further information. While we acknowledged that C had some health issues and had moved to be closer to their partner, we agreed with the council that C was not experiencing exceptional pressure. We therefore found that the application did not meet any of the qualifying criteria for an award and did not uphold the review request.
Feedback for the council
- The council missed the decision making timescales for the original decision.
- The council should not have considered the priority of the items as they assessed that the qualifying criteria was not met.
- The council's decision letters did not meet the requirements of the welfare funds guidance.