Example
C requested an independent review of the council's decision on a crisis grant application. C applied for money for food and to help pay their utility bill. They had recently taken over fulltime care of their disabled child, but the benefits in respect of the child had not yet been transferred to them.
The council declined the application on the basis that C did not provide them with a bank statement or proof that they had full time care of their child.
We reviewed the council's file and corresponded with C. We noted that help with gas and electricity bills are excluded from the fund but continued to consider their request for money for food. We were satisfied that the account C provided of their circumstances was consistent and on, balance, were satisfied that the circumstances presented during the application process were true. We provided the council with additional feedback on their letters and reminded them to assess any relevant exclusions at the eligibility stage of the decision making process.