Correction re Mandatory Reconsideration post

We apologise for our incorrect post – Mandatory Reconsideration has not been abolished.

A Freedom of Information request response, said:

‘The key measures which are used by the Department for Work and Pensions to monitor Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) performance are:

1. a) 90% to be cleared within target.
2. b) 80% of the original decisions are to be upheld.

The Freedom of Information request is available at: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/402400/response/978248/attach/2/F01%201740%20

However, Sarah Newton MP, Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work said in a letter to Frank Field, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee:

‘The 80 per cent figure, which was used in the answer to the Freedom of Information request you referred to in your letter, was an internal measurement only used to indicate areas where the quality of internal decision may not be meeting our expected high standards…..   Given the anxiety and confusion the 80 per cent figure has caused, we will no longer use this internal measure.’

So MR has not been abolished, just the way the DWP measures internal performance has changed.  The Minister’s letter is available at: https://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-committees/work-and-pensions/Correspondence/Response-from-Sarah-Newton-MP.pdf