National guidance on provision of cookers under the Scottish Welfare Fund: FOI release

Information requested

Information regarding national policy and guidance on the provision of cookers under the Scottish Welfare Fund.

Response

I include, below, a copy of most of the information you have requested.

National Policy and Guidelines

You asked:

• What official guidance does the Scottish Government provide to local authorities regarding the provision of cookers under the Scottish Welfare Fund?
• Does this guidance include any provision for ensuring that cookers meet the accessibility needs of disabled individuals?

The Scottish Ministers publish Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities regarding the Scottish Welfare Fund. This Statutory Guidance was most recently updated in March 2021 and includes the following information on the provision of cookers, including ensuring that cookers meet the accessibility needs of disabled individuals:

• "If the applicant demonstrates a need for a specialist product to meet their needs, for example, where an item needs to be of a specific type or be adapted, the local authority should exercise discretion. An award of a higher amount may be appropriate, for example, where a disabled person needs a cooker with special adaptations."
• "Feedback from the Social Security Experience Panel cited cases where contracts for provision of items had placed limitations on awards made. Where an item is not available under contract, a cash award or an alternative should be considered. E.g. if the person requires an adapted appliance, such as a cooker to fit a low-level kitchen, to meet their needs."

The full Statutory Guidance can be accessed at the following link:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-welfare-fund-statutory-guidance-march-2021/documents/

Updated Statutory Guidance is due to be published in April 2025. Under section 27(1) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, we are exempt from an early release of this information.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all of the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in ensuring the information has been properly collated and checked before it is published as planned. Any public interest in releasing the data will be met by the planned publication. When published, this information will be available on the Scottish Government website.

Disability and Equality Considerations

You asked:

• Has the Scottish Government conducted any national assessments or consultations on whether the cookers provided through the Scottish Welfare Fund meet the needs of disabled individuals?
• What measures are in place to ensure that local authorities comply with the Equality Act 2010 when issuing essential appliances like cookers?

The Scottish Government has not conducted specific national assessments or consultations on cookers provided through the Scottish Welfare Fund.

While the Scottish Government provides funding to Local Authorities and sets out guidance, Local Authorities have discretion over how the scheme is delivered in their area. This allows the scheme to be tailored to specific local needs. The Statutory Guidance notes that Local Authorities must balance the needs of the applicant against the remaining budget available to them. Factors to be taken into consideration include any specific needs due to equality considerations, for example, a need for adapted furniture because of a disability.

Review and Complaints

You asked:

• Has the Scottish Government received any complaints or concerns about the suitability of cookers provided under the Scottish Welfare Fund in the last five years?
• What is the process for challenging or appealing decisions on the type of cookers provided?

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in response to your question on complaints or concerns about the suitability of cookers, in this instance the Scottish Government does not hold the information you have requested. The reason we don't have the information is because the review and complaints procedure for the Scottish Welfare Fund is not managed by the Scottish Government.

This is a formal notice under section 17(1) of FOISA that the Scottish Government does not have the information you have requested in respect of complaints or concerns about the suitability of cookers provided under the Scottish Welfare Fund.

The Statutory Guidance provides information to Local Authorities on an applicant's right to request a review where they disagree with the outcome of their Scottish Welfare Fund application. An applicant can ask for a review if they want the decision that has been made on their case to be changed, for example, where they do not agree that the support they have been provided with is appropriate to their needs.

To make a request for review, applicants should:

1. Request a review in writing to their Local Authority. Where an applicant has a disability, health issue, or problems with literacy, the Local Authority may accept a request for a review in another format. The applicant should discuss this with their Local Authority.
2. Request a review within 20 working days of the original decision, though Local Authorities may use their discretion to allow later applications.
3. In the review application, include the reasoning for requesting a review, as well as a reference number, or date of decision, and any other additional information to support the case.

Where an applicant is not satisfied with the outcome of their review from the Local Authority, they can ask the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) to independently review their case. More information is available on their website (Scottish Public Services Ombudsman) or by phoning them on 0800 014 7299.

Funding and Procurement

You asked:

• Does the Scottish Government provide specific funding for enhanced or accessible cookers for disabled individuals?
• How are local authorities monitored to ensure that they provide suitable appliances under the Scottish Welfare Fund?

The Scottish Government does not provide specific funding for enhanced or accessible cookers under the Scottish Welfare Fund. While the Scottish Government provides an allocation of funding to Local Authorities and sets out guidance for the Scottish Welfare Fund, Local Authorities have discretion over how the scheme is delivered in their area. This includes taking and processing applications and the fulfilment of grants. Local Authorities have their own complaints process and, as set out in the Statutory Guidance, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman can also provide support to applicants.

Equality Impact Assessment

You asked:

• Has the Scottish Government conducted an Equality Impact Assessment on the provision of essential household appliances, including cookers, under the Scottish Welfare Fund?
• If so, please provide a copy of the most recent assessment.

An Equality Impact Assessment has not been carried out by the Scottish Government on the provision of essential household appliances, including cookers.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.