Example
C requested SPSO review the council's decision on their crisis grant application. They had recently made a new benefit application and had no income for living costs until the first payment was due.
The council awarded £97.00 at the 'non-householder rate' to cover 25 days until C's first benefit payment. C asked the council to reconsider the amount, stating they were responsible for gas and electricity costs, but the council did not change the decision.
We received the council's file and spoke with C. C explained that they live with their parents, who were abroad, leaving C and their sibling to pay the household bills. We determined that the council's use of the non-householder rate was appropriate. This was because C was not liable for the bills at the property as it was owned by C's parents. This is in line with section 7.24 of the guidance. We did not change the council's decision and did not identify any feedback for the council.