Apollo list query

Hello, does anyone have any information on the LA Apollo list or even a copy of the DWP guidance on it, please?  I have a copy of the DWP ‘working with reps’ guide and it’s not mentioned there.

Thanks.

The Apollo list is a DWP document that contains a list of authorized LA officers who are able to get information about an individual from the DWP without needing the individual’s consent.  I did have a copy of the guidance once but can’t find it now.

Oh that Apollo list… I cringe every time I hear it mentioned. We seem to be going through another of those periodic ‘implied consent’ impasses at the moment (‘Are you on the Apollo list? If not we can’t talk to you..’)

A classic the other day, when I went through my usual spiel in relation to the ‘Dealing with customer representatives’ policy was the response that they knew about the policy but it only applied when the ‘customer was present’...

We are also having problems again with the ‘Working with reps’ policy. The other day they refused implied consent, insisted on written consent but refused to accept this written consent via fax or even secure email (which we have and it is their system!) No - it had to be sent in the post to them; so they could employ every opportunity to lose it no doubt.
On the issue of the Apollo list it is my understanding this is a list of authorised housing benefit officers only - because the DWP think Local Authorities begin and end with housing benefit departments…

Not only HB officers.  Our Social Service Finance Visiting Officers also have clearance.  They also have accreditation with the DWP to verify documents in relation to benefit claims