My client applied for DLA in Dec 2008 and a decision was issued in March 2009 granting her high mob and low care for 18 months. Shortly after that she went back to work part-time and notified the DBC of this. She then received a phonecall from the DBC, who got indignant when she told them it wasn't a good time for them to call . They proceeded to ask questions, eg whether she can make a cup of tea. She told them that she can but it is difficult to lift the kettle. They also asked about driving and she told them she can drive and has a car park right next to her work so doesn't have to walk to get to work. The nature of her work was not inconsistent with her stated mobility and care needs.

They then stopped her DLA in May 2009. She is appealing and has made a complaint. Incidentally, she has since given up work again.

Has anyone else come across this tactic by the DBC? Such 'fishing expedition' tactics, so soon after the start of the award, are dubious and obviously inconsistent with the government's policy of getting people back into work.

Yes, in the sense that they do sometimes ring people and put them on the spot. I always advise people that they do not have to give their telephone number when filling in the forms, and choose the preferred method of contact in the following way:- write the word "Letter", draw my own box and tick it!. I have never had any problems from doing this. I advise clients that they could ask leading or misleading questions and put them on the spot by just ringing up out of the blue. It is an awful practice. With a letter they have time to give a considered response, are far less likely to be "led", and can keep a copy of the request and their reply.