Example
C requested an independent review of the council's decision on their crisis grant application. C applied for money for food as they had overspent their income.
The council declined the application on the basis that they were not satisfied C was resident in their area. C was homeless and sofa surfing between friends across different council areas.
We reviewed the council's file and spoke with C. C explained that they were sofa surfing with a friend in the council area when they applied, and that they are registered as homeless with two different councils.
We assessed that the guidance accommodates the circumstances of people with no fixed abode and were satisfied that the eligibility criteria for a grant had been met. We were also satisfied that all subsequent stages of the decision making process were satisfied and that an award should be made.
Recommendations
- Make an award to C to cover the period of their crisis.
Feedback for the council
- If an applicant has no fixed address, they should be treated as being resident in the council area that they have applied to.
- A 28-day assessment should be carried out where relevant.
- The decision letters contained inaccurate information that did not reflect the statutory guidance.
- The decision notes were not sufficiently detailed.