Example
C requested we review the council's decision on their crisis grant application. C applied for funds for food essentials after closing their Universal Credit claim due to a job offer that was later withdrawn.
The council awarded a payment of £39 to cover a 10 day period. C asked for a review of the amount awarded, stating it was insufficient for their needs. At first tier review, the council assessed that the initial award should not have been made as they considered that C was at fault for their crisis and so the eligibility criteria for an ‘exceptional award’ was not met.
We reviewed the council's file and corresponded with C. We determined that C had acted in good faith in closing their Universal Credit claim based on information provided by the Department of Work and Pensions. We changed the council's decision, awarding C funds until their next benefit payment, taking into account the award they had already received. We gave the council feedback on their incorrect interpretation of information, recording issues, and failure to follow guidance.