Leicester City Council Revenues & Benefits Service

Transcription

1 Table of contents 2 Leicester City Council Revenues & Benefits Service Community Support Grant Scheme Policy and Process 2013/15 Version control V1. March 2013 Reason Date Officer Reviewed by legal Services First Version 10 th March Authorised V2. September 2013 V.3 April 2014 Updated to reflect Executive committee recommendations Updated to reflect Executive committee recommendations. September 2013 April

2 Background 3 Funding 4 The Policy and Legal Context 5 Community Support Grants 6 What is a Crisis? 6 Crisis Grant eligibility 6 Excluded persons 6 Needs which are not covered by a Crisis Grant 7 Application and assessment process 8 Applications made by Advice Agencies 9 Forms of Support 9 Decision making criteria for a Crisis Grant 9 Award values 9 Support Grant 10 Support Grant eligibility criteria 11 How to apply for a Support Grant 11 Decision making criteria for Support Grants 12 Who awards are payable to 13 The right to seek review 14 Publicity 16 Fraud 16 Accessibility 16 2

3 1 Background The December 2010 White Paper Universal Credit: Welfare that Works, set out the Government's reform plans for the Department of Work and Pension s (DWP) Social Fund scheme. The DWP s Social Fund scheme included a regulated scheme made up of: Sure Start Maternity Grants Funeral Payments Cold Weather Payments Winter Fuel Payments And a discretionary scheme made up of: Community Care Grants (CCG) Budgeting Loans (BL) Crisis Loans (CL) The Welfare Reform Act 2012 abolished Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans from 1 April 2013 and replaced them with a new Local Welfare Provision (LWP) which will be administered by local authorities in England. From April 2013 Crisis Loan alignment payments and other Crisis Loans paid due to issues with benefit will be replaced by a new national scheme of Short Term Benefit Advances (STBA). This will be administered by the Department for Work and Pensions. Budgeting Loans will continue for legacy benefit claimants and customers only (legacy benefits are: Jobseeker s Allowance (Income-based); Employment and Support Allowance (Income-related); Income Support and Housing Benefits). Universal Credit (UC) claimants and customers will be able to apply for a Budgeting Advance. The Government have allocated each upper tier and unitary authority a grant to deliver a local scheme to meet local priorities. There is no requirement for local authorities to replicate the current Crisis Loan or Community Care Grant schemes. Individual local authorities have be given the funding and the flexibility to redesign the emergency provision for vulnerable groups according to local circumstances, in order to meet severe hardship in the most appropriate way. Local authorities are encouraged to: work in partnership with local Third Sector organisations to develop their scheme; explore a range of in-kind support, and to link to advice, information and advocacy. explore a full range of models for delivery. This new Local Welfare Provision is called Leicester City Council s Community Support Grant Scheme. 3

4 2 Funding The Council will has been awarded an annual Government grant to fund its Community Support Grant Scheme. For 2013/14 the Council has received an indicative grant for programme funding of 1,606,825. The Minister for State for Work and Pensions in his December 2012 grant settlement letter announced that the indicative figure for programme funding will remain as above. This is because the final figure is to be based on Discretionary Social Fund DWP spend for 2012/13, which is not available until after April Local Authority 2013/ /15 Programme funding (AME) Programme funding (AME) Leicester City Council 1,606,825 1,606,825 The main features of Community Support Grant Scheme (CSGS) are that: the scheme will be operated at the Council s discretion; there is no statutory right to a Community Support Grant award; the amount of Community Support Grant awards in any given year will be limited by the budget set for the Scheme; awards will be made by way of a voucher/card/goods system. Cash will only be paid in as a last resort and where there is no other alternative. 3 The Policy The main aim of the CSGS will be to support vulnerable people, experiencing financial difficulties. The support will be given for food, goods or services in a crisis situation or where there is exceptional financial pressure on an individual or families. The Service will seek through the operation of this policy to: alleviate poverty; support vulnerable young people in the transition to adult life; safeguard residents in their own homes; help those who are trying to help themselves; keep families together; support the vulnerable in the local community; help people through personal and difficult events. Each case will be treated strictly on its own merits. All customers will receive equal and fair treatment within a transparent process taking full account of the Council s responsibilities under all relevant government legislation. And, to meet our standing statutory duties under Homelessness, Equality, Human Rights, Child Poverty and Child Protection legislation. Decisions under the Scheme will be made in accordance with the principles of good decision making; and, decision makers will act fairly, reasonably and consistently. In the development of the Scheme the Revenues & Benefits Service has fulfilled its duty to consult with all major stakeholders. It is committed to working with the local voluntary sector, social landlords and other key stakeholders in the City to maximise entitlement to all available state benefits, charitable funds and grants; this will be reflected in the administration of the Community Support Grant Scheme. The Revenues & Benefits Service will also work closely with money and 4

5 welfare benefits advice services across the City to provide budgeting and income maximisation advice. And, will continue to consult with all stakeholders on the effectiveness of this Policy. 4 Law and legal content The Council has taken all relevant legislation into account when devising the Community Support Grant policy (this is not an exhaustive list) including: The Welfare Reform Act 2012; The Localism Act 2011; The Equality Act 2010; The Local Government Finance Act 2012 and 1992; The Local Government Act 2003; The Leicester City Council Tax Reduction Scheme (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations 2013 The Council Tax Reduction Schemes (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations 2012 Default Scheme Social Security Act 1992 Universal Credit Regulations 2012 Local Government Act 1972 section 222 The Fraud Act 2006, section 2 Data Protection Act 1998 Housing Act 1996 Social Security Act 1986 National Assistance Act 1948 Child Poverty Act 2010 Chronically Sick & Disabled Persons Act 1970 Disabled Persons (Services, consultation and representation) Act 1986 Mental Health Act 1983 Children Act 1989 In addition to the above requirements, the Council also takes account of current guidance and advice which has been published by the Department for Works and Pension which includes: Local support to replace Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans for living expenses in England. June Social Fund Community Care Grants Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) Customer Insight Research Report 2. Published Local Authority field work summary report. December The Council has consulted on this Policy and produced a comprehensive Impact Assessment which is published on its website 5

6 5 Community Support Grant Scheme There are two elements to the Community Support Grant Scheme, these are: Crisis Grant Where a person is in crisis, where the financial support required is immediate and urgent. The grant to be considered is a Crisis Grant. Support Grant Where the person is in need of support due to financial hardship but where the need is not immediate, this is a Support Grant. 5.1 What is a Crisis? A crisis is defined as: where there is a severe risk to the health and safety of the applicant, their partner, a dependent child (including foster child) or a member of their immediate family; as a result of having no financial funds available to meet daily living expenses; and caused through an event of great or sudden misfortune; or as a result of a crisis, emergency or disaster. 5.2 Crisis Grant eligibility. To be eligible to apply for a crisis grant all of the following conditions must be satisfied. Applicants must: be a resident of Leicester, or be able to demonstrate a link to the City; and be aged 16 or over; and they must be suffering a crisis (see 5.1); and, be without sufficient resources to meet their immediate short-term needs or those of their family; and, not be an excluded person (see 5.3); and/or, has needs which are not covered by a crisis grant (see 5.4); and not be a person subject to immigration control. 5.3 Limited assistance for claimants applying for a short term benefit advance (STBA), sanctioned, suspended and disallowed Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) /Employment Support Allowance (ESA) cases. Where a JSA/ESA claimant is subject to a sanction, disallowance or suspension a CSG claim can be taken and an award considered in the following scenarios: o Up to 14 days crisis support - Allow claimants who apply for a STBA is and have been informed they will be granted a STBA to apply for a CSG. If successful the crisis payment will cover the period up to when they receive their first STBA payment (usually 14 days from application). o Up to 14 days crisis support - Allow claimants of JSA & ESA where a sanction, disallowance or suspension has been applied, where they receive a positive decision for a hardship award a CSG claim can be made. If successful crisis payment will be awarded up to the date they receive a payment of hardship (usually 14 days from application). 6

7 o o o Up to 4 weeks crisis support - Allow claimants who are excluded from a STBA or they have received a negative decision are given an opportunity to apply for a CSG. If successful the crisis payment will cover a period up to 4 weeks or when the first payment of welfare benefit is paid whichever is earlier. Up to 4 weeks crisis support - Allow claimants of JSA & ESA where a sanction disallowance or suspension is applied however they are treated as excluded from applying for hardship or receive a negative decision for a hardship award they can apply for a CSG. If successful the crisis payment will cover a period up to 4 weeks extending to a maximum of 13 weeks in exceptional circumstances. Food parcel - To support vulnerable households where an immediate hardship payment is granted however these payments take 24 hours to arrive. 5.3 Circumstances in which no assistance will be given (excluded persons): Assistance will not be given for, or in, the following circumstances: people in hospital and care homes (independent or local authority) with no plans for discharge within two weeks; prisoners and people lawfully detained or on release on temporary license; members of a religious order who are fully maintained by it; people treated as in full-time relevant education who are not entitled to Income Support, Jobseeker s Allowance (income-based) or Employment and Support Allowance (income-related) these persons will only be considered to receive support for expenses arising out of a disaster; full-time students not in receipt of Income Support, Jobseeker s Allowance (income-based) or Employment and Support Allowance (income-related) or Pension Credit (including payments on account) these persons will only be considered to receive support for expenses arising out of a disaster; someone who is a person from abroad (i.e. who fails or would fail the habitual residence test for the purpose of Income Support, Pension Credit, Jobseeker s Allowance (income-based) or Employment and Support Allowance (income-related) these persons will only be considered to receive support for expenses arising out of a disaster; people whose benefit claim is disqualified, disallowed or sanctioned in relation to their Jobseeker s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Pension Credit. DWP hardship payments should be sort. where other statutory provisions are in place; including but not restricted to: o DWP budgeting loans; o DWP benefit alignment payments; o DWP short term benefit advances; o DWP statutory social fund payments (for example: winter fuel allowance); people who have received two successful awards to the Community Support Grant Scheme within a 12 month rolling period except in extreme circumstances and see 5.7; for items other than that which the Council can provide; where private insurance covers costs of the damage; 7

8 where liability exists elsewhere which addresses the issue (for example if a ceiling falls down because of a leak in the flat above); solely due to unexpected budgeting issues without a causal emergency or crisis; a need for a person who resides outside England; needs which are not covered by Crisis Grant; when the Community Support Grant Scheme budget has been exhausted. 5.4 Needs which are not covered by a Crisis Grant You will not get a Crisis Grant for the following: a need which occurs outside England or an educational or training need including clothing and tools or distinctive school uniform or sports clothes for use at school or equipment to be used at school or travelling expenses to or from school or school meals taken during school holidays by children who are entitled to free school meals or expenses in connection with court (legal) proceedings such as legal fees, court fees, fines, costs, damages, subsistence or travelling expenses (other than emergency travelling expenses when stranded away from home) or removal or storage charges if you are being re-housed following a compulsory purchase order, a redevelopment or closing order, a compulsory exchange of tenancies, or under a housing authority s statutory duty to the homeless or domestic assistance and respite care or any repair to council property and any repair to property of certain housing trusts or a medical, surgical, optical, aural or dental item or service (these needs can be provided free of charge by the National Health Service, if you are getting Income Support, Jobseeker s Allowance (income-based), Employment and Support Allowance (income-related) or Pension Credit (which includes the guarantee credit)) or work related expenses or debts to Government departments or investments or purchase, installation, rental and call charges for a telephone or mobility needs or holidays or a television or a radio, or a licence, aerial or rental charges for a television or a radio or garaging, parking, purchase, and running costs of any motor vehicle except where the payment is being considered for emergency travel expenses or housing costs, (other than intermittent costs not met by Housing Benefit, Income Support, Jobseeker s Allowance (income-based), Employment and Support Allowance (income-related) or Pension Credit, certain rent in advance payments, certain boarding charges, and minor repairs and improvements) or council tax, council water charges, arrears of community charge, collective community charge contributions or community water charges. 8

9 5.5 Application and assessment process A claim for a Crisis Grant award can be made: by telephone to Leicester City Council s Community Support Grant Scheme helpline; reasonable adjustments will be made where the applicant is unable to complete a telephone application without assistance. Applications can be made by the applicant, appointee, carer, or advocate acting on their behalf. Proof will be sought that they are acting on behalf of, and with the consent of the applicant. Evidence will be sought from the applicant, appointee, carer, or advocate to ensure that all qualifying conditions have been met. A financial assessment will be made, which will involve a series of questions to establish if the applicant has immediate access to any other form of financial assistance or funding. Once the application has been processed, the applicant will be informed of the outcome of the application within 2 hours of the initial telephone call (providing this is prior to 1pm, otherwise this will be the following working day). This will then be followed up in writing within 24 hours. If successful, the decision may be pending the provision of evidence by the applicant, appointee, carer or advocate. Freephone access points are available at all our Customer Service Centres; Neighbourhood Housing Offices and Revenues & Benefits Customer Contact Centre at Wellington House. 5.6 Application made by Advice Agencies The Council will consider applications submitted by Advice Agencies who, on behalf of individuals routinely provide support and guidance for their clients. Such applications must be made with the individual s explicit consent. These applications will be made by telephone application and the Agent must advise that they are making an application on behalf of their client. 5.7 Forms of Support Awards will usually be made for the provision of one (or more if applicable) of the following: Direct referral to a list of suppliers who have an account with Leicester City Council, for example: o food would usually be a food parcel and/or supermarket vouchers ; o nappies usually a voucher or pre-loaded gift/credit card. Bus and train tickets; Shop specific vouchers (in the form of pre-paid cards/vouchers) for clothes and food. These will be standard gift cards and as such not identifiable as originating from this service avoiding any stigmatisation; 9

10 Heating costs. Payments directly to utility companies via a corporate purchasing card with the ability to make payments onto key and card meters; Other forms of support in exceptional circumstances will be paid for in cash. 5.8 Decision making criteria for a Crisis Grant The decision-maker will consider the full circumstances before deciding whether or not to award a Community Support Crisis Grant. The decision timeframe will usually be within 2 working hours of receipt of a verified and completed application form. In making the decision the assessor will take into account the personal and financial circumstances of the applicant in order to support the application. The applicant will be advised by telephone, or text of the decision together with where to access their support should the application be successful. A letter will also be sent by post within 24 hours explaining the decision and the review process for both successful and unsuccessful applications. Alternative arrangements will be put in place as necessary for those who do not have a permanent contact address. 5.9 Award Values For you and your partner, the maximum amount that you can get as a Crisis Grant for living expenses is an amount equivalent to 30 per cent of the Income Support, Jobseeker s Allowance (income-based) or Employment and Support Allowance (income-related) personal amount appropriate in your circumstances for all non-householders. Applicants who are liable for rent/mortgages etc., or who are persons without accommodation will continue to have their maximum amount calculated at 60% of the appropriate benefit rate. This maximum amount may also be reduced if you have been awarded the hardship rate of Jobseeker s Allowance. The amount of the reduction will depend on the amount of Jobseeker s Allowance you would get. Period of awards will be considered dependant on a customer s individual circumstances, although such awards should not routinely exceed 14 days; more usually extend to a daily rate. Heating awards will vary dependant on the individual situation but will only cover the period up to the next benefit payment. Customers making the initial claim and repeat applications for crisis payments will be signposted to relevant utility company s debt management team and advice services to assist them manage their utility bills in the future. Customers will only receive a maximum of two awards in any 12 month rolling period. However a crisis grant may award food parcels for a number of week s dependant on need and circumstance. In extreme, exceptional circumstances, a further application may be considered. Customers making repeat applications for crisis grant awards will be signposted to relevant money advice and advice services. 10

11 The Leicester Child Poverty Commission has highlighted in its recent report (2013) the priority need for the provision of food for households with children during the school holiday period. (Recommendation 18). The priority is identified for families where the household is claiming free school meals. Access to this meal during the school holidays ceases, this leaves families in particular lone parents, exposed to an increased risk of destitution and poverty. Household may struggle to replace the meal from existing resources therefore the demand on food parcels will increase. The policy is amended from 23 rd September 2013 to increase crisis awards to up to a maximum of four in a rolling twelve month period (for food only). Specifically to support these households during the months April, July, August and December for applicants with dependent children under sixteen who meet the free school meals claim criteria or equivalent criteria post September Support Grant not immediate or emergency support. A Support Grant will be considered for vulnerable people in financial crisis, for a range of expenses including household equipment. The award is also intended to support a return to, or allow a person to remain in the community rather than enter accommodation to receive care, or to ease exceptional pressure. Some examples are: help with expenses for improving the home to maintain living conditions; help where the house/accommodation has experienced a disaster and in order to return to the accommodation household equipment needs to be replaced; help to move to a more suitable place to live or to be nearer someone who will provide care and support. Some examples of situations that may give rise to exceptional pressure are: someone in the family suffers from a disability or chronic sickness which gives rise to an exceptional need and where that need cannot be met by another support fund e.g. Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independent Payment/Armed Forces Independence Payment; there is, or has been, a breakdown of relationships within the family, (including domestic violence); domestic upheaval because of unforeseen circumstances such as house fire, flooding, theft or other disaster. The above lists are not exhaustive but are intended to provide an indication of the policy intention. Customers will be referred to other relevant departments if applicable, such as Housing, Adult Social Care or Children's Social Care as and when deemed appropriate to do so. In addition, details of any other sources of funding will be provided to the applicant where appropriate Support Grant Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for a support grant award all of the following conditions must be satisfied. Applicants must: 11

12 be aged 16 or over; and, be a resident of Leicester or be able to demonstrate a link to the City; and, receiving Income Support, Jobseeker s Allowance (income-based), Employment and Support Allowance (income-related) or any type of Working Tax or Pension Credit; and, be without sufficient resources to meet their immediate short-term needs or those of their family; and, not be an excluded person (see 5.3); and, has needs which are not covered by a support grant; and, not be a person subject to immigration control. They must also be where applicable: leaving accommodation in which they received significant and substantial care and supervision and expect to be discharged within 6 weeks and be expected to receive one of the benefits indicated above; and/or, the applicant must be leaving such an establishment, and also be establishing themselves in the community. Both the time spent in the accommodation and the level of individual care and supervision provided will be taken into consideration when making a decision How to apply for a Support Grant. A claim for a Support Grant can be made: by telephone to Leicester City Council s Community Support Grant Scheme helpline; reasonable adjustments will be made where the applicant is unable to complete a telephone application without assistance. If successful, awards will be provided in line with the customers needs Forms of support Awards will be made for the provision of, but not limited to, one item: These forms of support maybe provided as start-up packages, individual furniture items (new or recycled), or a pre-loaded credit/gift card to allow individual purchases to be made. These will be standard gift cards and as such not identifiable as originating from this service avoiding any stigmatisation. It is anticipated the applicant will not receive a cash payment; cash will only be issued in exceptional circumstances. This is dependent upon the need, request and affordability of the application. Referrals will be made to Leicester City Council s preferred suppliers Award values Award values will be at the discretion of the Council but will be based on standard prices for items required including the cost of delivery and installation where appropriate. The value of a Community Support Grant will be reduced, on a pound for pound basis, by any savings and/or an insurance claim. The reduction will 12

13 apply where the savings or claim payment is over 500 ( 1000 if the applicant or their partner is aged 60 or over) Decision making criteria for Community Support Grants/Notification of a decision The decision-maker will consider the full circumstances before deciding whether or not to award a Community Support Grant. The decision timeframe will usually be within 10 working days of receipt of a verified and completed application. Customers have 14 days from date of application to supply the information required to verify eligibility and to complete the application process. In making the decision the Community Support Grants assessor will take into account the financial and personal circumstances of the applicant in order to support the application: Financial: proximity of essential services relied upon by the customer and their partner to their home; the financial, medical and social circumstances of the customer and their household will be taken into account, if they are relevant to the Community Support Grants request; the income and essential expenditure of the customer and their household when considering the customers income. All income will be taken into account, for example Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independence Payment/Armed Forces Independence Payment or child maintenance, there will be no consideration to disregard this income; when considering the customers expenditure consideration will be given as to whether or not expenditure is considered as above the basic living requirements. If expenses seem high, the Community Support Grants assessor will make enquiries with the customer to clarify the details; any savings and investments held by the customer and their household, which could be used to help their financial situation. The accessibility of these funds will be taken into account and the award will be reduced as in section 5.14; whether the family have insurance to help them recover the costs of the lost goods. The grant will be reduced by an equivalent amount; whether other family members external to the household help in any way towards the customers financial expenditure; whether the customer and their household could reduce expenditure on non-essential items; whether the customer and their household are entitled to other welfare benefits but are not claiming them; the level of indebtedness of the customer and their household; whether the customer and their household are taking long-term action to help their problems in meeting their housing costs; any steps taken by the customer to help themselves such as financial advice they have sought to alleviate their situation, such as from Citizens Advice Bureau, local advice agencies or Welfare Rights. Personal circumstances: whether a Community Support Grants payment would prevent homelessness; 13

14 whether a Community Support Grants payment would help the customer being able to access or maintain employment, education or training; whether a Community Support Grants payment would prevent a move that would have detrimental effects on the customer and their household, for example children s schooling, health, support networks or employment; whether the customer is fleeing domestic abuse; whether the customer is a care leaver; whether the customer or other household member is subject to Social Services intervention; whether the customer or other member of their household is undertaking care duties for relatives in the area; whether the customer is a returning ex-offender who is having difficulty in finding suitable accommodation; whether the customer is a former member of the armed forces who is having difficulty in finding suitable accommodation; the exceptional nature of the customer and their family s circumstances; any reasons which make it necessary or especially desirable for the claimant to occupy the dwelling they currently reside in the view of the assessor; will the payment of a Community Support Grants award keep the family together, will it support a young person in the transition to adult life, or will it assist in the safeguarding of a vulnerable adult or child; whether the applicant has made previous and successful Community Support Grant applications; The requirements under Fair Access to Care Services (FACS); for example, the statutory duty to provide medical equipment. This list below is not exhaustive and is here to give the applicant examples of the type of information the authority will consider when making its decision. The Community Support Grants assessor will record the reasons as to why a decision to award or refuse an application has been made taking into account all relevant circumstances Method of Payment The Revenues & Benefits Service will decide the most appropriate person to pay based upon the circumstances of each case Depending on individual circumstances, awards may be payable to: the applicant; their partner; an appointee; any third party to whom it might be most appropriate to make payment i.e. to the supplier of goods or services. 14

15 5.18 In most instances the Revenues & Benefits Service will pay a Community Support Grant award usually in the form of a voucher or whatever other method is most appropriate. These will be standard payment gift cards or credit cards and are currently in common private use and as such should not be identifiable as originating from this service avoiding any stigmatisation Notification in all claims The Revenues & Benefits Service will set out the reasons why this decision was made and explain the right of review/appeals. Notifications will include details of where a claimant may seek further assistance (such as the Community Legal Advice Centre or Citizens Advice Bureau). Where the application is successful, the Revenues & Benefits Section will advise: the value and period of award for the Community Support Grant awarded; how, when and to whom the award will be paid; the right to request a review and how further assistance can be obtained The right to seek a review Reviews of any/either Community Support Grant decision can be requested using the procedure below. Claimants may request the Council looks again at the decision within one calendar month of the decision notice where: a) they have not been awarded a Community Support Grant; or, b) where they feel the award should be increased; c) they disagree with the period of the award; d) they disagree that the award has been reduced. Requests for review must be: a) submitted in writing; b) addressed to the Head of Revenues and Benefits; c) received at the Council offices within one calendar month of the date of the decision notice; d) signed by the claimant, their appointee or agreed third party representative; e) outline the reasons for review, providing any new evidence required. Applicants will not have the right of review: a) where their request is received by the Council more than one calendar month after the date of the decision notice; unless good cause can be shown for the delay; or, b) where the Council has already made a determination of a previous request for review in respect of the matter; unless significant new information is identified; that would have a direct bearing upon the original decision; or, c) for any day on which they have already received an award. Any request for review of the decision under this scheme will be determined within one calendar month of receipt of the request or as soon as reasonably practicable. 15

16 Any review will be considered on its own merits, in the light of all relevant circumstances at the time (as described in the eligibility criteria). The review request must give the reasons why the applicant considers the original decision should be amended, and may include new or additional information relevant to the request to change the original decision. The Council may require further supporting evidence to be provided. The reviewing officer (who will not be the original decision maker) will review the original decision. The outcome of the review request will be notified to the claimant normally within one calendar month of its receipt or the receipt of the supporting information. If a customer disagrees with the decision, the only statutory avenue open to challenge such decisions is through judicial review. The High Court may be asked to consider whether the Council has acted within its powers. 6 Financial controls and Budget Monitoring arrangements. Management of the Community Support Grant budget The Revenues & Benefits Service will undertake monitoring of the number, amount and period of Community Support Grants awards in relation to the available Community Support Grant Scheme budget. The Council s Quality Assurance Team Leader will ensure that an audit check is conducted of 5% of the decisions made to ensure consistent decision-making. The purpose is to ensure the Community Support Grants decision making is robust, meets the intension of the policy, is transparent and is making decision that allows for sufficient funds to meet demands on the Community Support Grant Scheme budget throughout the financial year. The policy will be reviewed annually or at such time or occurrence where a review is appropriate. The financial management of the budget will be undertaken through the corporate financial audit procedures. 7 Equality monitoring arrangements. The Revenues & Benefits Service will also monitor cases where a Crisis and Support Grant request has been refused or supported to ensure decisions are being made fairly and consistently. The Council is subject to the general equality duty. This means that steps will be taken to monitor implementation of this policy to ensure no one is subject to disproportionate adverse treatment because they had a protected characteristic. The Council s equality duty requires that the Council has due regard to the need to: I. Remove or minimise disadvantages suffered by persons who share a relevant protected characteristic that are connected to that characteristic II. Take steps to meet the needs of persons who share relevant protected characteristic that are different from the needs of persons who do not share it Foster good relations. 16

17 8 Publicity The Revenues & Benefits Service will publicise the Community Support Grant Scheme. Community Support Grant Scheme will be publicised on the Council s website and the Revenues & Benefit Service will ensure the Council s Homeless Team, Welfare Rights Advisors, Citizens Advice Bureau, other local advise agencies, local registered housing associations and voluntary sector organisations are made aware of the Community Support Grant Scheme, the relevant criteria for a payment to be made and how claims can be made. 9 Fraud Leicester City Council is committed to the fight against fraud in all its forms. A customer who tries to fraudulently claim a Community Support Grants by falsely declaring their circumstances, providing a false statement or evidence in support of their application, may have committed an offence under the Fraud Act Where it is alleged, or the authority suspects that such a fraud may have been committed, the matter will be investigated and if fraud is found to have occurred, action will be taken including if appropriate criminal proceedings. Leicester City Council retains the right to prosecute such cases under section 222 of the Local Government Act Accessibility Hard copies or alternative versions of any document can be made available where necessary to meet an individual s needs. The on line access is interactive, intuitive and DDA compliant and as such user friendly. This is the councils preferred method of application. Should you need a hard copy or large print version of the application please contact Leicester City Council on or via at HousingBenefits@leicester.gov.uk or by post at the following free post address: Freepost RRBZ-TECL-GRLZ Leicester City Council Revenue & Benefits Department Wellington House Wellington Street LEICESTER LE1 6HL 17