Example
C asked for an independent review of the council’s decision. They had applied for a community care grant for flooring for their living room, bedroom, hall, stair, landing, bathroom and kitchen; and curtains for their living room and bedroom. C explained they had secured a new tenancy and required hypo-allergenic flooring and curtains due to their health issues.
The council assessed that the application met the eligibility criteria and the qualifying criteria, and they awarded items which they assessed met high priority. They made a cash award for flooring for the living room, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen; and living room and bedroom curtains. The council also made a cash award for vinyl for the hall, stair and landing. They declined the applicant’s request for flooring for a second bedroom. At first tier review, C’s representative explained the cash award made was not sufficient for the hypo-allergenic flooring and curtains required, they also explained due to C’s health issues, vinyl in the hall, stair and landing was not suitable. The council considered the information and made an additional cash amount for 100% wool carpet for the living room and bedroom, but made no further award for curtains. They assessed that vinyl was sufficient for hall, stair and landing areas.
We reviewed the council’s case file and contacted C for further information. C explained that they have a number of mental and physical health issues, and have social work support and a care package in place. We were asked to review the amount awarded as C deemed that it was not sufficient for their needs. We investigated the cost of the items required to meet the need, and awarded an additional £1149.38. We provided feedback to the council that they had not made sufficient enquiries to make a robust assessment of the cost required to meet the need. We also noted the initial decision letters did not contain sufficient information.