§ David WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions under what circumstances decisions taken on benefits by decision makers are reviewed; and by whom. [55580]
§ Mr. Nicholas Brown[holding answer 10 May 2002]: Decisions taken on benefits can be changed by revision, supersession and appeal. Although there are very limited circumstances when a decision can be revised at any time, the main rule is that a decision would be revised where it is successfully disputed in the month after it has been notified (a period extendable for 12 months where special circumstances apply). The dispute can be made on any ground. A decision would he superseded where there has been a change in the customer's circumstances since the decision was made, or where the decision was successfully challenged outside the one month dispute period on a prescribed ground eg it was made in ignorance 579W of or mistake as to a material fact. A decision can also be changed on appeal by an independent appeal tribunal and by the Social Security and Child Support Commissioners.