Example
C requested an independent review of the council's decision on their community care grant application. C applied for money for clothing after gaining weight in prison.
The council declined the application on the basis that C had served a few days less than the minimum qualifying period of three months. C requested a first tier review but they did not change their decision.
We reviewed the council's file and spoke with C. C advised they were released a few days early due to the Christmas holidays. We noted that although the minimum qualifying time served is three months, the guidance does advise discretion where there is a only a few days difference. We considered this approach would have been appropriate, and changed the council's decision. We instructed them to award £95 for clothing (based on current supermarket clothing prices).