Example
C requested an independent review of the council's decision on their crisis grant application. C applied for a crisis grant as they had no funds for their immediate living costs and no money to visit their partner in hospital.
The council declined the application on the basis that C had applied within 28 days of a previous application and there was no relevant change in their circumstances. C requested a first tier review, however, they did not change their decision due to the same reason.
We reviewed the council's file and spoke with C for further information. We noted that C had made this application within 28 days of another application that was declined. We were unable to asses that a change in circumstances applied to C. We recognised that C's situation had worsened as their partner was admitted to hospital, however, this was not the reason they were without income. They were already in crisis prior to this due to the reason stated on their previous application. As such, we did not change the council's decision as we agreed that the eligibility criteria was not met.