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:
    July 2024
  • Category:
    High most compelling priority rating

Example

A had applied for a grant as they had been given a permanent tenancy after a period of homelessness. The council initially declined the application, stating that A did not meet the necessary priority level to be awarded (High Most Compelling). A welfare rights adviser (C) requested a first-tier review of that decision on A’s behalf. The council did not change their decision so they asked we review it. 

We looked at the council's case file and spoke with C about A’s circumstances. C told us A was homeless prior to moving into their tenancy, that A was receiving tenancy support, and that other than English not being A’s first language, they were not experiencing any other vulnerabilities. 

We agreed with the council that the items did not meet the High Most Compelling priority level for an award to be made. We confirmed this with the council and also gave learning and improvement feedback about recording keeping

Updated: July 21, 2024