Example
Mr C applied for a Community Care Grant for a washing machine. He explained that he had been without a washing machine for three years and had been hand washing items. He explained he suffers from diabetes, depression and anxiety. He also advised that he has alcohol dependency and had recently suffered a relapse as he was struggling to cope.
The council considered that Mr C met the eligibility criteria to be awarded a grant but assessed he did not meet any of the qualifying criteria as set out in the SWF guidance. Mr C submitted a first tier review providing further details about his personal circumstances, the need for the washing machine and his health issues. He also provided details about the support he was receiving from a financial inclusion officer (FIO) at the council and provided their contact information. The council did not change their decision at first tier review, and their notes show they did not contact Mr C or his FIO to gain further information about his application to the fund.
Mr C's FIO asked us for an independent review of the council’s decision. We considered the particular facts and circumstances of the application including information provided by Mr C’s FIO, and details of the decision making process provided by the council. We assessed that without an award for a washing machine Mr C's mental and physical health could deteriorate. Mr C was struggling to cope and has suffered a relapse in regards to his alcohol dependency. As such, he had been referred to his FIO by staff at the job centre as they were concerned about his wellbeing. Mr C's FIO also explained she had visited him at home and it was clear he was struggling to cope with hand washing his clothes, bedding and towels. He suffered from circulation problems relating to his diabetes and was unable to wring his clothing and so it was taking days to dry. Based on this information we assessed that Mr C was under exceptional pressure and assessed a washing machine met the high priority in line with s5.5- 5.6 of the guidance. We changed the council's decision and awarded this item. This was based on insufficient enquiries having been made by the council. We also provided feedback about their decision letters not containing sufficient information.