Example
C asked for an independent review of the council’s decision. They had applied for a Self-Isolation Support Grant as they tested positive for COVID-19 and were required to self-isolate. As C worked in a warehouse, they were unable to work from home.
The council declined the initial application on the basis that Cs application overlapped a previous application they had been awarded for. C requested a first tier review, and included evidence that their first period of self-isolation had been adjusted by Test and Protect. However, the council did not change their original decision .
We reviewed the council’s case file and spoke with C for further information. We spoke to Test and Protect who confirmed that the two periods of self-isolation did not overlap. We verified that the remaining criteria was met and changed the council's decision, instructing them to award £500. This was on the basis that they had not taken into account evidence from C that supported their self-isolation dates. We also provided the council with feedback on their recording of decisions, and following of timescales.