Is anyone else having a chew trying to get CHB for a new client where previously paid to another. I've had to channel my last three cases through MP because of the length of time it was taking. In the worst case 4 months.

On the last of these when I phoned CHB I heard the recorded blurb saying it could take up to 12 weeks to be then informed that it was actually 12 weeks minimum and this was the latest edict from their head office. Each of the three applications had confirmatory letters from the Social Services that children at the new address with the new claimants and the last application was signed by the last claimant to the effect she rescinded her claim.

Having exactly the same problems - delays seem to have been slowly increasing over the last 12 months - also using local MP - needs to be taken up at a national level, possibly discussed in the context of child protection given that sometimes it is essential that children move quickly and that financial support is arranged quickly too - CB simply relying on local authorities covering the cost while CB is being processed (or not!).

Tony

I have 2 cases on the go, 4 months and 6 months old. Both now with the Customer Services as formal complaints. I've actually had acknowledgement and a proposed timescale for reply (but with a get out clause if they can't meet the deadline). I think CBO have huge problems since it moved from DSS/DWP to HMRC.

Latest applicant came to see me yesterday, the one where I got last claimant to sign conceding her entitlement. MP office used their usual magic and CHB phoned to tell him payment within 4 days - so much for 12 weeks. It stretches belief that child poverty is supposed to be a key issue and at ground level god knows how many families are being reduced to accessing payments off social services.

Tony's point about child protection really hits a button. we've had more than one case where a child has been removed from an abuser only for said abuser to wallow happily in the continuing Child benefit. I remeber good old days when DSS managed Child Benefit and there was a dedicated Local Authority section, and its hard to believe, you could contact them directly by phone!. Wow.

We're talking to our social services to find out how many hits they are taking and see how to remedy it. Taking into account the LA cash paid the admin time and social workers time it promises to be an amount.

I've been told by someone involved in service delivery in HMRC that they are currently considering an advisers direct line, possibly aimed at particularly problematic cases - they are hoping to decide before the end of this month - it is partly in repsonse to all the complaints - however, this may not change the problem of the type of endemic delays we are talking about, although we may be able to harrass them into dealing with our particular case

Tony

An advisors direct line sounds a good move as long as its not just a fancy name for a callcentre with no access to decision making. But wouldnt it also be a lot better to look at it from the perspective of the problems involved.Why not look at changing the process by which transfer claims are decided or is it that too difficult for them. Liase with Social Services to determine the whereabouts of the child and pay the CHB in a reasonable time. God its not rocket science.

Absolutely, and I've asked one of our local MPs whether they would ask a Parliamentary Question along those lines to try and start to give the issue some profile

Tony

Has anyone or could they be threatened with a Judicial Review, bases on unneccesary delay or something..?

Dont know that one. Legal Eagle needed. But Regs tend to include phasing that claims will be dealt with "or as reasonably practicable" which provides convenient get out clauses. Since last post seen lady downstairs who's been waiting since September 1st 2008 for child benefit transfer. She phoned up two days running, Moday and Tuesday just gone. Told by officer to stop phoning as "you're wasting money".

Says it all really.

Local MP on job again.

Leave to bring JR proceedings can be brought on grounds of delay but will generally not be granted where there are alternative dispute mechanisms (such as appeal rights, formal complaints procedures, etc) unless those alternative dispute mechanisms themselves are the subject of unreasonable delay.

However leave to bring JR proceedings can be granted, where alternative dispute mechanisms exist (that are not subject to unreasonable delay), if it could be shown that there would be a substantial risk of harm (or some such phrase) to the person or persons affected unless the court intervened expeditiously.

For over three months I've been trying to arrange a meeting with a rep from CB regarding this very matter. Last week I received a letter from them stating "Unfortunately, we do not meet individually with external organisations", it went on to suggest I contact our LGA rep. Needless to say I am very disappointed with this response.
Our Children in Need teams are finacially streched to the limit because of the delays in CB being transfered over, I am in the process of putting together some figures and will be contacting the LGA and NAWRA to hopefully apply some pressure. I'd be interested to hear what others are doing and what sort of responses you have had from CBO.