From 1 April 2016, we are taking on a new role as the independent reviewer for the Scottish Welfare Funds. People will continue to apply to the council for Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants and the council will still make decisions on those applications and any first tier reviews. The important difference is that councils will no longer consider second tier reviews. Instead, people will apply to us for an independent review.

We have a dedicated website with information about our role at http://www.spso.org.uk/scottishwelfarefund/