Festive opening hours

We will close for the public holidays on Tuesday 24 December 2024 at 2.30pm, and remain closed for the public holidays between Christmas and New Year. 

However, we will open on 27, 30, and 31 December 2024 between 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm. During these times, we will prioritise reviews of crisis grant applications. If you wish to request a review of a community care grant application, you can do so online. Alternatively, you can call us on 3 January 2025, and we will assist you over the phone.

Our normal service will resume on 3 January 2025 at 10am.

Case study

  • Date:
    June 2024
  • Category:
    Crisis grant calculations

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 C applied for funds for food essentials after closing their Universal Credit claim due to a job offer that was later withdrawn.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.

Updated: June 19, 2024