Example
C asked for an independent review of the council's decision. They had applied for a Self-Isolation Support Grant due to testing positive for COVID 19 and being unable to work from home.
The council declined the initial application on the basis that C's income was over the Real Living Wage threshold and low income threshold. C was also not in receipt of a qualifying benefit. C requested a first tier review of the decision but the council did not change their decision.
We reviewed the council's case file and spoke with C for further information about their income and makeup of their household. The council had used a tax return from two years ago to calculate C’s income. We used information provided by C and recent bank statements to assess their income. Overall, we were satisfied that that C was in receipt of a low income and therefore eligible for an award. We also provided feedback about the council’s use of incorrect information, written communications and timescales.