Help in Emergencies for Local People (HELP)

The HELP scheme is discretionary and there is no law giving the right to appeal. You can request a review if you disagree with our decision.

You cannot appeal our decision if your application has been refused because:

• the HELP budget is used up. Funds are monitored and requests will be declined if the monthly limit is reached
• you have applied within the previous 12 months and have been awarded a payment by us or another council
• you are not classed as a vulnerable person
• you fail to accept the support which is being offered to you.

Any request to review a decision will be assessed by a senior officer who will tell you the outcome of their review in writing. This is usually within one calendar month of a request being received.

The decision is final and binding, although any complaints regarding the way the application process has been dealt with should be made in writing to the corporate complaints team.