Does anyone know about a pilot in B'Ham where Pension Service visiting officers are advising and assisting under 60 age group to complete DLA and CA forms? If successful the intention is that this would roll out nationally with Local Pension Service VO's extending service to people aged under 60. DBC would make referrals direct to them.

Yes, I've heard from my local Pension Service visiting team about this. It already seems to be "a done deal" for over 60's and apears to be welcomed by the DBU.

There are some roumours that the Pension Service and DBU are merging but it could simply be DBU using the PS visiting service. The Visiting Service seems to be semi detached from the pension service. They have recognised that the amount of applications for pension credit will drop significantly after the initial surge and are looking for further work.

They have an advantage over other advisers in that they are able to verify documents during the visit. They appear not to advise on or represent in disputes or appeals, or to advise on Council Benefits.

I understand that they are even thinking about the possiblity of advising and assisting with other benefits particularly from JC+. However the person who spoke to me said there is some reluctance to cover under 60's - they recognise that many claims would not be straight forward.

I received an email from NAWRA dated 15/01/2007 titled " DCS Advisory Forum - Presentation Slides" which contained a powerpoint presentation from DCS that was submitted to the DCS advisory forum, that has details of this. If you're not on the NAWRA email distribution list, let me have your email address and I'll forward a copy to you.

Where does this leave those advice providers whose rationale for existence for funders is that there is no other agency providing this type of service?

Whilst not wishing to appear even a tad cynical, there is a serious downside to this.
As we know, Pension service local visiting teams already regularly complete AA forms and DLA for the 60 to 65 age group. We must assume that they will only help complete a form in cases where they feel there is a justifiable case. However, if one of their's is refused, unlike us they are not permitted to follow it through to Reconsideration and possible appeal, as we do.

Unless they refer those cases out to specialist advisers, which they may do in other parts of the country, then those applications will just end at that point. This could present a false statistical picture of cases which would have normally been reviewed and/or appealed.

Secondly, if PS Local Service start to also complete DLA forms for U60's then this could well have implications for external Agencies, particularly those whose remit/finances does not allow them the luxury of unlimited representation work.

Mind you, Funders don't need a good reason to cut funding - in this area we have heard of a Unitary Authority which will cut funding to it's CAB by 50% in April - the financial version of a double amputation, for no better reason than to help balance the books: the fact that there are real people involved is of no consequence.

Perhaps one day someone will be able to explain the logic of spending billions of pounds fighting a war in some forsaken country half way around the world, when our services are falling apart.....

Anyway, it's back to the darkened room and nice white jacket with the buckles for me - I use to listen to Terry Wogan but I'm getting better now.......

I have followed up this issue and the pilot is to be run through the B'ham DBC making referrals to Local Service Teams in the midlands. They do not expect have more than 100 cases in this pilot. It looks as though there will be only a handful of cases per each LS team.

I have details of the contact within the DCS who provided this information, if you would like details of the contact please send me an e-mail and I will pass on th detail.