Example
Mr C applied for a crisis grant as he had no funds for gas or electricity after repaying money to an illegal money lender towards debts he owed. He was awarded a crisis grant to cover this living expenses, however, he then had to abandon his tenancy as he continued to be aggressively pursued by the money lenders. He then made a new application for a crisis grant.
The council refused to make an award on the basis that the applicant's previous award had been made within 28 days of the new application, and had been intended to cover the entire period until the applicant's next benefits payment. It was assessed that there had been no relevant change in the applicant's circumstances. This decision was upheld at first tier review.
The applicant applied to SPSO for an independent review. We considered the facts and circumstances of the case and asked the applicant for further information. He explained that a large proportion of his previous award had been used to purchase credit for his gas and electricity meters. This was not money he could take with him. Likewise, we accepted that the applicant had not taken the contents of his cupboards with him when he fled. We considered that he had experienced both a material and a financial change in circumstances and was therefore not excluded from the fund (s6.1 of SWF guidance). We also noted that the council systems verified that the applicant was now in temporary accommodation and the reason for him abandoning his previous tenancy. We awarded £95.12 to cover the 14 period until his next income, taking into account his dietary needs. We disagree with the council’s interpretation of the information and also provided some feedback about the council’s written communication.