Example
C asked for an independent review of the council's decision. They had applied for a Community Care Grant after fleeing domestic violence. They had secured a new property and had applied for a number of household items for their new home.
The council declined the initial application on the basis that C did not meet the qualifying conditions for an award, as they were unable to find evidence of domestic violence. 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 circumstances. We contacted C’s support worker from Women’s Aid, who confirmed C’s situation, and the abuse they had suffered. The council’s housing team also verified the situation as described by the support worker. On this basis, were satisfied that C’s circumstances did meet the qualifying criteria and that the items requested met the necessary priority level. As such, we changed the council's decision on the basis that they had made insufficient enquiries, and instructed them to award the items requested. We also provided feedback to the council concerning their written communications.