I repped in a difficult deprivation case last month and the appeal was successful.

The Pension service has paid arrears of PC(GC) from March 2006 AND have requested a SoR (PO in attendance), which I think is quite bizarre!

I've told my client that she can keep the arrears whatever happens since, in the unlikely event client loses way down the road, it's not a failure to disclose overpayment. A further issue is that I've advised the client to stop paying CT as she will now get CTB - but the council know a SoR has been requested and are refusing to pay even though she can show a current entitlement to PC (it's actually being paid).

But I don't understand how this can happen... Has anyone come across anything similiar?

And what about the council tax benefit. It's just as difficult a position for the LA as it is stressful for the client. Any ideas on whether or not I should puruse the CTB payments? I don't think withholding the payments is unreasonable in the circs, but I do think its legally wrong.

Any comments?

I may be wrong but I was told a few moons ago by a DWP chappie that in certain offices it is now standard to request SoR on a fixed number of cases, e.g. 1 in 10 etc, can't remeember why the grey cells are aren't as good as they used to be.

My colleague Rose was told either last year or this year, by our regional DBC office something similar too.