Festive opening hours

We will close for the public holidays on Tuesday 24 December 2024 at 2.30pm, and remain closed for the public holidays between Christmas and New Year. 

However, we will open on 27, 30, and 31 December 2024 between 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm. During these times, we will prioritise reviews of crisis grant applications. If you wish to request a review of a community care grant application, you can do so online. Alternatively, you can call us on 3 January 2025, and we will assist you over the phone.

Our normal service will resume on 3 January 2025 at 10am.

Case study

  • Date:
    January 2022
  • Category:
    Self-Isolation Support Grant

Example

C asked for a review of the council's decision to refuse their application for a Self-Isolation Support Grant.  C had self-isolated following a positive COVID-19 test, as they were unable to work as a self-employed hairdresser/beautician and therefore would lose income. The council refused the application as they could not verify C's instruction to self-isolate, as C's details did not appear on the daily lists sent to council by Test and Protect, confirming those told to self-isolate.

We received the council's file and spoke to C. We checked directly with the National Contact Tracing Centre who confirmed the instruction to self-isolate and also confirmed that C had consented to share data with the council so it was not clear why C's information did not appear on the lists.

We changed the council's decision and awarded C £500.00. We provided the council with feedback about poor decision-making notes.  

Updated: January 19, 2022