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<p>The First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child Support), administered by HM
Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), hears appeals against Department for Work
and Pensions' decisions on a range of benefits, including a person's entitlement to
Personal Independence Payment (PIP).</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>(1) Claimants
for PIP can appeal to the Tribunal on a number of different grounds, such as the rate
of benefit awarded. HMCTS is unable to isolate data relating to appeals solely on
the basis of a claim for PIP having been refused. HMCTS does not, therefore, hold
the specific information requested.</p><p> </p><p>Information on all appeals against
PIP decisions is published by HMCTS in Tribunal Statistics Quarterly. The most recent
report for the period January to March 2014, published on 12 June 2014, can be viewed
at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/tribunal-statistics-quarterly-january-to-march-2014</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p>HMCTS has responded strongly to continue to increase the capacity of
the SSCS tribunal and reduce waiting times. Initiatives have included increasing venue
capacity and recruiting additional judges and medically qualified members.</p><p>This
has resulted in 545,840 appeal disposals in 2013/14. This is a 17% increase compared
to 2012/13 (465,500) and a 26% increase compared to 2011/12 (433,600).</p><p> </p><p>(2)
I receive regular representations on the SSCS appeals process which are taken into
account as we keep the system under review. However, to date, I have not received
any representations on the length of time the PIP appeals procedure takes.</p><p>
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