Example
C requested an independent review of the council's decision about their crisis grant application. C applied for money for food after losing their benefits income.
The council made an award of £95.70, which was based on the ‘non-householder rate’ for a single person. C requested a first tier review of the decision, explaining that the amount was not sufficient. They advised that they have three children for whom they have part-time childcare responsibilities. The council considered this information but did not make a further award as C was not receiving Child Benefit for the children.
We reviewed the council's file and spoke to C. We agreed with the council that the conditions for an award were satisfied. We also considered that the council had followed the rates suggested by the guidance in terms of duration and householder status. However, we disagreed with their decision not to factor in C’s part-time caring responsibilities when calculating the award. We changed the council’s decision and awarded a further payment of £94.30 as in line with 7.25 of the guidance, children not living with the applicant and for whom shared care arrangements apply can still be dependents. We also provided feedback as we noted that the initial decision letter was not in line with the guidance and the first tier decision was issued out with the target processing times.