Open - The Scottish Government

Scottish Welfare Fund Reviews Brian McCaskell Welfare Fund Manager

Background 

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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

Reviews 

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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

Timescales 

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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

2nd Tier Reviews 

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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

Independent Review Panel 

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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

Progress   

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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

Feedback from Panel Members 

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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

Summary 

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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.

Scottish Welfare Fund Reviews

Any Questions?