Court is right place for DLA hearings

LONDONDERRY Courthouse provides an independent and dignified environment with informal facilities suitable for benefit appeal hearings, according to Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Dec 2012, 16:01 BST

He says it’s not unusual that sick benefit hearings are now being heard there and expects business levels to increase as Welfare Reform kicks in.

He was asked by Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney whether the appeals service for Employment and Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance is moving to the Court House in Londonderry.

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He replied: “The Appeals Service has increased utilisation of Londonderry Courthouse in addition to the continued use of a number of other local venues.

“The use of courthouses for social security benefit appeals in not unusual, as hearings can be and are already heard in courthouses throughout Northern Ireland.

“Business levels are increasing and will continue to rise with the advent of Welfare Reform.

“The Northern Ireland Courts & Tribunals Service is now responsible for the operational effectiveness of The Appeals Service and it is incumbent upon them to ensure maximum utilisation of the courts estate and efficient use of public funds.”