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.
