From April 2016, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman will take over responsibility for further review of decisions by local authorities in relation to the Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF). The SPSO has recently been consulting on a Draft Statement of Practice setting out the approach it intends to take in relation to reviews.
CAS has responded to this consultation, highlighting the importance of the SWF as a safety net for some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Our response emphasises that further review decisions by the SPSO must be made as quickly as possible. CAS has also emphasised that appropriate and flexible arrangements need to be in place so that a person acting on an applicant's behalf, such as a CAB adviser, can request a review.