them not agreeing that the support they have been provided with is appropriate to their needs, for example they were awarded items and not money or they do not think that the money they were awarded was enough to buy what they need. 11.5 Applications for review should: be made within 20 working days of the original decision, though the Local Authority may use its discretion to allow later applications, for example when illness has prevented an application being made. be made in writing and explain the reason for the application for a review and include any additional information to support the case include any reference number and the date of the decision being questioned be signed by the applicant. If made on behalf of the applicant, consent should usually be required from the applicant in writing unless this places unreasonable demands on the applicant, for example due to disability or health issues, or problems with literacy. 11.6 Reviews of Crisis applications should be carried out as soon as possible, recognising the circumstances of the applicant. The maximum processing time for a first tier review of a Crisis Grant application should be two working days. The maximum processing time for a first tier review of a Community Care Grant application should be 15 working days. 11.7 Applicants should be notified in writing of the result of the review, giving reasons for the decision that was made see sample letters in the Scottish – Welfare Fund Decision Maker’s Guide. In urgent cases, the result should be given as soon as possible, by phone and followed up in writing according to the usual arrangements for notifying decisions. 11.8 The reviewing officer cannot reduce or remove an made at initial decision. The reviewing officer should feed back to the decision maker on the outcome of the review and any key points relevant to future decision making. Second Tier Review Second Tier Review is an important step in the Scottish Welfare Fund process and is subject to a high degree of scrutiny. It provides an impartial check on local decision making processes, ensuring administrative justice for the applicant. It is also a final consideration of a case within the Local Authority (albeit with independent representation). It therefore has the potential to act as a protection for the reputation of the Local Authority and the Scottish Welfare Fund. Any case that goes beyond this stage will be examined by the SPSO and potentially go to judicial review, both of which are public processes. Scottish Welfare Fund Teams may wish to draw on expertise in administrative justice from within the Local Authority to quality assure their processes, for example from complaints handling or from welfare rights services.
them not agreeing that the support they have been provided with is appropriate to their needs, for example they were awarded items and not money or they do not think that the money they were awarded was enough to buy what they need. 11.5 Applications for review should: be made within 20 working days of the original decision, though the Local Authority may use its discretion to allow later applications, for example when illness has prevented an application being made. be made in writing and explain the reason for the application for a review and include any additional information to support the case include any reference number and the date of the decision being questioned be signed by the applicant. If made on behalf of the applicant, consent should usually be required from the applicant in writing unless this places unreasonable demands on the applicant, for example due to disability or health issues, or problems with literacy. 11.6 Reviews of Crisis applications should be carried out as soon as possible, recognising the circumstances of the applicant. The maximum processing time for a first tier review of a Crisis Grant application should be two working days. The maximum processing time for a first tier review of a Community Care Grant application should be 15 working days. 11.7 Applicants should be notified in writing of the result of the review, giving reasons for the decision that was made – see sample letters in the Scottish Welfare Fund Decision Maker’s Guide. In urgent cases, the result should be given as soon as possible, by phone and followed up in writing according to the usual arrangements for notifying decisions. 11.8 The reviewing officer cannot reduce or remove an made at initial decision. The reviewing officer should feed back to the decision maker on the outcome of the review and any key points relevant to future decision making. Second Tier Review Second Tier Review is an important step in the Scottish Welfare Fund process and is subject to a high degree of scrutiny. It provides an impartial check on local decision making processes, ensuring administrative justice for the applicant. It is also a final consideration of a case within the Local Authority (albeit with independent representation). It therefore has the potential to act as a protection for the reputation of the Local Authority and the Scottish Welfare Fund. Any case that goes beyond this stage will be examined by the SPSO and potentially go to judicial review, both of which are public processes. Scottish Welfare Fund Teams may wish to draw on expertise in administrative justice from within the Local Authority to quality assure their processes, for example from complaints handling or from welfare rights services.