Wrote to local DWP office requesting info on a previous decision they made last year telling her she was not entitled to JSA.. Asked for evidence of application, the decision letter and any info on the regs used to make this decision..

Got response today which states that our form of authorisation is not adequate and they have written to cli direct for authorisation..

They say "cannot disclose this info without lawful authority... the present form submotted purports to record agreement, we take the view thatany consent to disclosure should be informed consent.."

Are they just being pedantic or is this standard practice.. How do other advisers get round this.. do you amend your authorisation forms.. to save time....

regards.. x

Thu 08-May-08 07:24 PM by stevegale

I do know that they like specifics, e.g. "X authorizes the ABC agency to disclose information relating to his appeal for Jobseekers Allowance".

They don't like anything all-embracing such as "X authorizes ABC agency to disclose any information about his social security benefits".

We amend our form in each instance to fit the context...not had any problems so far.

After the numerous breaches of confidentiality over the last couple of years I think all government departments are very cautious about following the rules.