On 23rd December I had a form for a late appeal that was 'not duly made' as reasons for ateness were not given.

I dug out the file as I had completed the appeal only a few days before and I was sure that I had submitted all the necessary grounds.

Lo, the grounds for the appeal and lateness were there.

I telephoned the DWP and spoke with the person whom issued the 'not duly made' form.

They dug out the file and read the appeal for the first time. "Oh yes" they said, the reasons for lateness are given.

"The thing is," came the explanation, "we don't actually read the appeals. If the date is more than a month out then we automatically send out a letter requesting grounds for lateness."

Silly me.