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<p>We always aim to make the right decision as early as we can. The MR process was
introduced as an opportunity to review the original decision and consider any additional
evidence provided by the claimant since the original decision was made.</p><p>There
has been an increase in outstanding PIP MR clearance times in recent months. Measures
to reduce the number of outstanding MRs include:</p><ul><li>Age profiles of outstanding
work are managed at a national level to ensure that cases which have been outstanding
for longest are actioned first.</li><li>Resource levels dedicated to the clearance
of MRs have been regularly reviewed with significant recruitment, training and redeployment
undertaken to support reduced clearance times.</li></ul><p>MR is a key element of
the decision making process for both the Department and claimants, and whilst ensuring
they make quality decisions, decision makers work hard to clear applications without
delay. Gathering the right evidence is critical at the MR stage if decisions are not
to go to appeal; and we are reviewing our processes to not only obtain this, but to
do so whilst continuing to make decisions timeously.</p>
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