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Scottish Welfare Fund

Scottish Welfare Fund. Reviews Brian McCaskell Welfare Fund Manager. Background. Initially customers are given a letter explaining timescales for appealing if grant refused Both Crisis Grants/Community Care Grants can be appealed within 20 working days/must be in writing

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Scottish Welfare Fund

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  1. Scottish Welfare Fund Reviews Brian McCaskell Welfare Fund Manager

  2. Background • Initially customers are given a letter explaining timescales for appealing if grant refused • Both Crisis Grants/Community Care Grants can be appealed within 20 working days/must be in writing • Discretion can be given if appeal out with timescales if reasonable circumstances given • 1st tier/2nd tier levels of appeals

  3. Reviews • If applicant not happy with outcome of a SWF decision they can request a Review because – • Insufficient information was gathered during the application process • The priority level allocated to their application was not appropriate • Them not agreeing that the support they have been provided is appropriate to their needs • Them not agreeing with the decision on eligibility • Application been refused on the grounds that there is insufficient evidence, but applicant feels there was

  4. Timescales • All 1st Tier reviews must be dealt with in same timescales • Crisis Grants = 2 working Days. • Community Care Grants = 15 Working Days • A different decision maker reviews decision made in line with government guidance and CEC Procedures

  5. 2nd Tier Reviews • Appeal must be made within 20 working days of the 1st Tier decision • Be made in writing, include any new evidence and explain reason for appeal • Is held by an Independent Review Panel • Crisis Grant – Held within 5 Working Days • Community Care Grants – Held within 30 Working Days

  6. Independent Review Panel • Volunteers asked for from all Council Departments • Over 30 people expressed interest • Training carried out in 3 half day sessions • Overview of SWF Fund and workshop style presentations made by Team Manager/Development staff

  7. Progress • To date approx 14 2nd Tier Reviews held • 13 Community Care Grants, 1 Crisis Grant • Panel of 3 in attendance as much as possible • Decision made and customer advised within a few days

  8. Feedback from Panel Members • Training given was very good and used real examples • SWF Staff are always available when Review Panel meet in case of any query • Submissions to the panel are excellent and clear • Revised Guidance was circulated to all panel members with a brief update

  9. Summary • Enough Panel members in place to ensure not too great a burden • Panel Members feedback regularly • Decisions made fairly and in line with Guidance • SWF Submissions clear and informative • Decisions by Panel Members consistent and in line with guidance.

  10. Scottish Welfare FundReviews Any Questions?

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