The DWP claims the fall in waiting time is due to mandatory reconsideration, a reform introduced in October 2013 designed to streamline the appeals process. It allows officials to look again at decisions and any additional evidence before a case escalates to an appeal tribunal.
Claimants can now challenge benefits decisions and provide additional supporting evidence for their case earlier.
However, in June the Citizen’s Advice Bureau warned that the changes were “adding an extra hoop to jump through” and in some cases leaving people with no income during the mandatory reconsideration process.
The proportion of people appealing to a tribunal against employment and support allowance decisions has also dropped by 86% between July and September 2014, compared to the same period in 2013.
Work and pensions minister Mark Harper said fewer appeals going to tribunal “avoids protracted and costly procedures for the taxpayer and the claimant.”
“Our reconsideration system now makes sure people who are entitled to benefits get them sooner,” he added.
Tribunal fees deter claimants
Separate research from the Citizens Advice Bureau found that four out of five people having trouble at work are put off bringing cases to tribunal by employment tribunal fees.
The £1,200 fee was introduced in July 2013 and has resulted in a 66% drop in applications for tribunals.
