CCM14275 - Closing the Enquiry: Penalty cases: Claimant wants to settle before end of appeal period

A revised decision notice carries a right of appeal so we must always allow the claimant the full 30 day appeal period regardless of what errors they made in their claim or whether they have now agreed adjustments are necessary to their award. Under no circumstances should we contact the claimant regarding our settlement before the end of the appeal period.

However, some claimants might get in touch because they want to resolve matters straightaway. If they contact you they should be told we will not be taking any further action until the end of the appeal period. If they insist they want the matter resolving straightaway you can enter into discussions with them regarding the settlement as long as this is at their request. If they want to sign a draft letter of offer before the end of the appeal period they can do so but must be told it will not be actioned before the end of the appeal period. Once the appeal period is over you can accept a letter of offer in the normal way.

If the claimant wishes to make a payment during the appeal period to repay all or part of the eventual settlement this should be treated as a payment on account. By accepting their payment as a payment on account we are not confirming whether or not the eventual offer will be accepted. Any such payments on account should be sent to Network Unit, Cumbernauld per CCM8720.