Latest news with #HMCTS
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Nearly 9,000 people on PIP currently challenging DWP payment award decision
The process for challenging a PIP award decision can take up to 13 months to complete. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - information The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that the process for challenging a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) award decision can take up to 13 months to complete. Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, said 'a total of 8,900 appeals are currently in progress' in response to a written question from Liberal Democrat MP Rachel Gilmour on the timescale of the backlog. Sir Stephen explained: 'Although we hold information on the time between initial disallowance and appeal hearing, DWP is not solely responsible for this wait time. Appeals are lodged by claimants with His Majesty's Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS), which the claimant may take up to 13 months to do. ' DWP then have 28 days to respond to the appeal when notified by HMCTS. After this the time taken to list the appeal is dependent on HMCTS, who run tribunal hearings.' The DWP Minister added: 'The median journey time for an appeal where the initial decision was made in December 2023, was 42 weeks. This represents time from appeal lodgement to clearance within DWP only and excludes any further time prior to Tribunal. 'Data for initial decisions made from 2024 onwards has not been used, to ensure reasonable time has passed for an accurate assessment of the time between an appeal lodgement and clearance within DWP.' A successful claim for PIP or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) - for people living in Scotland - is now worth between £29.20 and £187.45 each week in additional financial support and, as the benefit is paid every four weeks, this amounts to between £116.80 and £749.80 every payment period. If you have made a claim for PIP and disagree with the award decision, you can challenge it - this may include asking for the decision to be looked at again (Mandatory Reconsideration), lodging an appeal or taking it to a tribunal. The number of people claiming PIP has now hit a record-breaking high of 3.7 million and as a result, new claims are being prioritised over award reviews for existing claimants - but this will not impact the Mandatory Reconsideration process. Below are some simple steps to follow if you think the DWP decision makers got it wrong. Full guidance on challenging benefit decisions can be found on here. Check the PIP decision If you don't understand the decision on your letter, you can ask the DWP to explain it by contacting them using the details on the top right of the decision letter. If you don't know if the decision is right, you can check whether you qualify by doing the PIP self test on the Benefits and Work website here. This mock test has all the questions plus the points awarded for each answer and will help you understand: Whether you would score enough points to receive PIP for each component (daily living and mobility) Whether you would qualify for the standard or enhanced rate of each component Ask for Mandatory Reconsideration A Mandatory Reconsideration is when the DWP looks at their decision again and decides whether to change it. The best way to ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration is to write to the DWP at the address on your decision letter. You normally have one month from the date you got your decision letter to ask for Mandatory Reconsideration. Get a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice Once the DWP has looked again at the decision, they will send you a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice. The Mandatory Reconsideration Notice will tell you if the decision has been changed or it stays the same. Appeal to a Tribunal If the DWP does not change their decision when you ask them to look at it again, you can appeal to an independent panel, called a tribunal. The tribunal looks at the evidence from both sides, then makes a final decision. It is part of the court system - it is not part of the DWP. When you can appeal to a tribunal You can appeal any decision made about your PIP claim. Some of the most common reasons are: you did not get PIP you got a lower level of PIP than you expected you think your PIP award should last for longer The appeal will look at whether the decision was right at the time it was made - they won't consider whether your condition has got worse since then. Get advice from your local Citizens Advice, welfare support team at your local council or online at Benefits and Work. To be allowed to appeal to a tribunal, you will need: your letter from the DWP with the words 'Mandatory Reconsideration Notice' at the top - if you've lost it, ask them for a new one to send your appeal form in within one month of the date shown on the mandatory reconsideration notice Citizens Advice warns that the tribunal process can take a long time. A statement on their website reads: 'The process can be draining but it's worth remembering that more than half of people who appeal their PIP decision win at a tribunal. If you feel the decision is wrong, don't be put off appealing.' Complete the appeal form There are two ways to appeal. You can either: fill in an appeal form, called the SSCS1 - get a copy of the SSCS1 and check the guidance notes for the SSCS1 on appeal against the decision online on Make sure you complete the whole appeal form otherwise your appeal could be rejected. Explain why you are appealing The most important part of the application is 'Grounds for appeal'- if you're filling in form SSCS1, this is Section 5. In this box you need to give the specific reasons why you disagree with the decision. Use your decision letter, statement of reasons and medical assessment report to note each of the statements you disagree with and why. Give facts, examples and medical evidence (if you have any) to support what you're saying. You might have done this already for your Mandatory Reconsideration Letter - if so, you can use the same examples and pieces of evidence again. You can include all this information on a separate sheet if you'd prefer, just write 'See enclosed information' in the box and attach any papers securely to the form. Tribunals can look at your whole award again. So you should consider whether you risk losing your current award - for example, if you've got evidence to support a daily living component but might lose your mobility award because you can now move better. If you're not sure, you should get advice from your nearest Citizens Advice or support team at your local council. Getting help with your appeal You can get help with your appeal from your local Citizens Advice, or a local disability support agency or group. You might be able to get someone like an adviser or a solicitor to act as your representative during the appeal, but they're not always available. A representative can help you with the paperwork and might speak on your behalf. Don't worry if you don't have a representative - the tribunal board is most interested in hearing how your condition affects you and in your own words. Support from a friend or family member can really help, and you can do it without a professional. Tribunal dates availability - ask for what you need You can add the dates you're not available and information about anything you need at the hearing - if you're filling in form SSCS1, this is Section 7. Think about anything that might stop you being able to go to the hearing and to write it down. For example: you can only attend a hearing during school hours because of childcare responsibilities holidays you've booked any dates you've got important medical appointments If you don't mention these and the hearing is booked for a date you're not available, you might not be able to change it. Sending the form If you fill out the online form, it's sent when you've completed it. If you've filled out the paper form, send your documents to HM Courts and Tribunals Service, not to the DWP. The address is on the form. You should include the following: the completed SSCS1 form a copy of your Mandatory Reconsideration Notice any further evidence you have - you can also send this later Citizens Advice guidance states to post your appeal documents by recorded delivery if you can. Otherwise go to your local Post Office to post them and ask for proof of postage. This can help you later if the tribunal service says you didn't meet the deadline or if the letter gets lost in the post. HM Courts and Tribunals Service will check the form and then ask the DWP for their response within another 28 days. For more advice about challenging a PIP decision and understanding the tribunal process, Citizens Advice have detailed information plus examples of statements showing what to write when making an appeal. You can find all this information here.
BBC News
22-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Lancaster Crown Court set to close permanently over access and security
A crown court which has not been in use for the past six years is set to close Crown Court, which is based in medieval castle, has not been used for civil or criminal hearings since 2019, with criminal cases sent to Preston Crown Court HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) said the historical court "does not offer modern and flexible accommodation and has significant issues with security and accessibility".A consultation on the closure proposal is under way, with a deadline of 2 July for anyone wishing to respond. Jane Wignall from HMCTS North West said the court's issues could not be resolved due to the listed status of the building and because the castle complex operated as a tourist attraction. The proposal "is part of our ongoing work to review our estate to make sure that we continue to deliver access to justice, value for money and provide an efficient and effective service", she Crown Court is one of four crown courts in Lancashire, with the others being in Burnley, Preston Combined Court and Preston Sessions Wignall said Preston Crown Court was a modern and accessible building with capacity to accommodate any cases that would have been heard in Lancaster."The journey times to Preston have been carefully considered, along with the overall impact on court users, judiciary, and staff," she urged locals,judiciary staff and elected representatives to share their thoughts on the impact of the closure, adding: "We welcome views on any other options you think we should consider."Nearby Lancaster Courthouse is to remain in use for civil hearings. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Teenager given youth detention for knife attack
A 15-year-old boy has been detained for two years and one month for stabbing a teenager in the street. The incident occurred in St Pauls, Bristol, at the junction of Badminton Road and Ashley Road at about 16:00 GMT on 13 February. The defendant was arrested the same day and later pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and possession of a blade. He was sentenced to 25 months youth detention on Tuesday at Bristol Crown Court. More news stories for Bristol Watch the latest Points West Listen to the latest news for Bristol The victim was taken to hospital after the attack but his injuries were not life threatening or life changing. The defendant was further sentenced to 25 months detention for a charge of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm and possession of a blade relating to an incident on 8 June 2024. The sentence will run concurrently to the sentence for the attack on 13 February. Teenager arrested after stabbing incident in city HMCTS Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NHS Fife seeking to block public from watching livestream of Sandie Peggie trans row employment tribunal
A Scottish health board is seeking to bar the public from the online viewing of the conclusion of an employment tribunal centred around a transgender doctor using a female changing room. NHS Fife has requested only media be allowed to watch the livestream of the case brought by nurse Sandie Peggie against the health board when it resumes in July. It claims technical issues and "interruptions caused by non-media observers" caused "significant delays" to proceedings at earlier tribunal hearings in Dundee in February. Ms Peggie was suspended from Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife, in January 2024 after she objected to Dr Beth Upton - a trans woman - using the changing facilities in the A&E department on Christmas Eve 2023. The tribunal heard Ms Peggie was suspended following an allegation of bullying and harassment by Dr Upton. The nurse later lodged a complaint of sexual harassment or harassment related to a protected belief under Section 26 of the Equality Act 2010 regarding three incidents when they shared a changing room - indirect harassment; victimisation; and whistleblowing. The earlier tribunal hearings could initially be viewed virtually by members of the public, however the judge later restricted virtual access to accredited media. The health board has asked the tribunal for this approach to continue, but said members of the public would still be able to attend the hearings in person. Read more from the tribunal: Fife said: "During the hearing in February, the employment tribunal restricted cloud video platform (virtual viewing) access to press/journalists due to technical issues, as well as interruptions caused by non-media observers. "The technical issues and interruptions caused significant delays which impacted the tribunal's progress. A request has therefore been made that this approach be maintained in July. "If these requests are granted, accredited media and press outlets will still be permitted to report on matters and in-person public access to the hearing will remain available." The health board has also asked the tribunal to revoke the Tribunal Tweets group's permission to live-tweet proceedings, saying there had been a public complaint about the posts. Tribunal Tweets, policy analysis collective Murray Blackburn Mackenzie, and the organisations For Women Scotland and Sex Matters have together written to Nick Goodwin, chief executive of His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), suggesting improvements to the online viewing system. Lisa Mackenzie, of Murray Blackburn Mackenzie, said: "This is an important case that has generated considerable public interest. "Seeking to restrict access to the HMCTS livestream, when there are very few seats in the public gallery, is a deeply cynical move by NHS Fife and one that we hope will be resisted by the judge. "It should be pressing for the technical issues to be resolved instead of seeking to put in place further barriers to open justice." An HMCTS spokesperson said: "Decisions on how cases are conducted are made by the independent judiciary. "In this case, all remote participants will be automatically muted at the point of joining the July hearing to minimise disruptions."
Sky News
11-04-2025
- Health
- Sky News
NHS Fife seeking to block public from watching livestream of Sandie Peggie trans row employment tribunal
A Scottish health board is seeking to bar the public from the online viewing of the conclusion of an employment tribunal centred around a transgender doctor using a female changing room. NHS Fife has requested only media be allowed to watch the livestream of the case brought by nurse Sandie Peggie against the health board when it resumes in July. It claims technical issues and "interruptions caused by non-media observers" caused "significant delays" to proceedings at earlier tribunal hearings in Dundee in February. Ms Peggie was suspended from Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife, in January 2024 after she objected to Dr Beth Upton - a trans woman - using the changing facilities in the A&E department on Christmas Eve 2023. The tribunal heard Ms Peggie was suspended following an allegation of bullying and harassment by Dr Upton. The nurse later lodged a complaint of sexual harassment or harassment related to a protected belief under Section 26 of the Equality Act 2010 regarding three incidents when they shared a changing room - indirect harassment; victimisation; and whistleblowing. The earlier tribunal hearings could initially be viewed virtually by members of the public, however the judge later restricted virtual access to accredited media. The health board has asked the tribunal for this approach to continue, but said members of the public would still be able to attend the hearings in person. NHS Fife said: "During the hearing in February, the employment tribunal restricted cloud video platform (virtual viewing) access to press/journalists due to technical issues, as well as interruptions caused by non-media observers. "The technical issues and interruptions caused significant delays which impacted the tribunal's progress. A request has therefore been made that this approach be maintained in July. "If these requests are granted, accredited media and press outlets will still be permitted to report on matters and in-person public access to the hearing will remain available." The health board has also asked the tribunal to revoke the Tribunal Tweets group's permission to live-tweet proceedings, saying there had been a public complaint about the posts. Tribunal Tweets, policy analysis collective Murray Blackburn Mackenzie, and the organisations For Women Scotland and Sex Matters have together written to Nick Goodwin, chief executive of His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), suggesting improvements to the online viewing system. Lisa Mackenzie, of Murray Blackburn Mackenzie, said: "This is an important case that has generated considerable public interest. "Seeking to restrict access to the HMCTS livestream, when there are very few seats in the public gallery, is a deeply cynical move by NHS Fife and one that we hope will be resisted by the judge. "It should be pressing for the technical issues to be resolved instead of seeking to put in place further barriers to open justice." An HMCTS spokesperson said: "Decisions on how cases are conducted are made by the independent judiciary. "In this case, all remote participants will be automatically muted at the point of joining the July hearing to minimise disruptions."
