Example
C applied to their local council for a community care grant as they had secured a tenancy after fleeing domestic abuse and needed a number of household items. C advised that they had mental health issues, historic substance misuse issues and were receiving ongoing support.
The council assessed that the application met the eligibility criteria but stated that C did not meet any of the qualifying conditions. C requested a first tier review of the decision, however, the council did not change their original decision and reiterated that C did not qualify for a grant.
We reviewed the council’s case file and contacted C for further information. C explained that they were involved in a court case with their ex-partner and were receiving support from Victim Support. They said that their move had been arranged as a ‘management transfer’ by their social landlord. They also advised that they faced a number of mental health issues which were made worse by their recent personal issues. Overall we determined that C was facing exceptional pressure to establish themselves in their new home and maintain a settled home overall. Therefore, we changed the council’s decision and awarded the items that met the necessary priority level. We provided feedback to the council as we assessed that they did not make sufficient enquiries with C about their application, their circumstances and need for the items.