During August our Scottish Welfare Fund team
- responded to 74 enquiries
- made 55 decisions
- 16 community care grants
- 39 crisis grants
- upheld 44% (7) of community care grants and 23% (9) of crisis grants
- signposted an additional 60 applicants to other sources of assistance. 70% (42) of these were calling us instead of their local council in error
- received nine enquiries from local council liaison contacts seeking advice on the guidance.
Case studies
This month, we focus on cases where we assessed that the awards made by the council did not adequately meet the applicant’s needs.
Meeting the need
C asked us to review the council's decision on their crisis grant application. C applied for money for food and essential costs after their Universal Credit income was reduced due to debt repayments.
The council awarded C a crisis grant for 26 days at the non-householder rate (£3.88 per day), based on the fact that C was living in homelessness accommodation and was not responsible for utilities. However, C requested a review, claiming that this amount was insufficient.
We reviewed the council's file, and spoke with C and the council’s homeless team. It was confirmed that C's hostel accommodation is room-only, without access to cooking facilities or food storage facilities. According to section 7.24 of the guidance, while indicative rates are provided, local authorities must consider the applicant's specific circumstances to ensure the award meets their needs.
We disagreed with the council’s assessment that the rate they awarded would meet C needs. As a result, we awarded an additional £100.88 to adequately cover their needs during the crisis period. We also noted that the council failed to contact C before making their decision and issued a finding of inquisitorial failure.
You can find more case studies in the searchable directory on our website.