Reviews

 

First Tier Review

If you are not happy with the outcome of your Scottish Welfare Fund application, you can ask us to look at the decision again. This is called a First-tier review.

A different decision maker will look again at your application. The merits of the case will be re-considered determining whether the original decision was fair and reasonable. There may be a need to gather additional information or evidence to do this.

We can reach a decision to:

  • Uphold, or agree with, the original decision; or
  • Change the original decision.

We won’t reduce the award or take it away.

You can request a review within 20 working days of the date of the decision. In some exceptional circumstances, this deadline can be extended.

To request a review, you would normally have to make the request in writing by e-mail or letter, unless exceptional circumstances apply. When contacting us please include the following information:

  • The date of the original decision and your Reference Number
  • Reasons why you think this decision is wrong.
  • Any supporting information that might make a difference to the decision (for example a change in your circumstances)
  • If someone is making a review request for you, please sign the letter giving your agreement for the review to proceed.

Requests for review should be sent by post to Scottish Welfare Fund, Inverclyde Council, Finance Services, Wallace Place, Greenock PA15 1LY or by email to discretionarypayments@inverclyde.gov.uk.

Should you have any issues with requesting a review by the above methods either due to disability, health issues or problems with literacy, please contact the service via telephone on 01475 714444 where alternative arrangements can be considered.

The maximum processing time for a first-tier review for a Crisis Grant decision is 2 working days. The maximum processing time for a first-tier review for a Community Care Grant is 15 working days.

Decisions will be notified by phone and followed up in writing.

 

Independent Second Tier Review

If you are unhappy with our decision on your first-tier review, you can ask the SPSO to carry out an independent review over the phone or in writing.

What will the SPSO do?

The SPSO will consider whether the council made a reasonable and fair decision. They will do this by checking that the council:

  • followed Scottish Government guidance regulations and any relevant council policies.
  • considered information that was accurate relevant and complete.
  • made appropriate enquiries to get that evidence.
  • made their decision fairly, based on relevant evidence and your own individual circumstances, and
  • in making their decision, treated you with dignity and respect.

What can the SPSO decide?

They can decide:

  • to change part or all of the council’s decision
  • to tell the council to make a new decision, or
  • not to change the council’s decision in any way

How do I contact the SPSO?

  • Freephone: 0800 014 7299
  • On their Website which can be accessed using the links section of this page
  • In writing: FREEPOST SPSO. You don’t need to use a stamp.

How long will it take for a decision:

They will aim to give you their decision within the following times:
 

  • For Crisis Grants, one working day from when they get all the information they need to make a decision.
  • For Community Care Grants, 21 working days from when they get all the information they need to make a decision.

The above timescales do not include the time taken to request the council’s case file or for enquiries being made.