Example
Mr C applied for a crisis grant for living expenses as he was waiting on the DWP updating his claim from a joint to a single claim.
The council assessed that the application did not meet high priory and at first tier review assessed that he had access to alternative source of support as the job centre had confirmed that once the correct paperwork was submitted, they would be able to arrange the release of a same day payment. Mr C asked the SPSO to review the council's decision. They did not change their decision to not award a grant following Mr C’s first tier review.
Mr C asked the SPSO to review the council's decision to refuse his crisis grant. We received the council's file and spoke with the applicant. We broadly agreed that the application did not meet the qualifying criteria for an award as Mr C had access to alternative support through his family. He was also in receipt of Child Tax Credit and Child Benefits, which were still being paid weekly. Furthermore he was living at home with his parents who were supporting him. Although this could not be long term solution, we did not consider that he was facing a crisis situation due to the support available. We did not change the council’s decision but provided feedback about their decision letters.