AQW 38870/22-27 Written question to the Minister for Communities
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) the reason the success rate for first reviews carried out by Review Officers fell from 27 per cent in 2023-2024 to 15 per cent in 2024-2025, as reported the Office of the Discretionary Support Commissioner Annual Report 2024-2025 (covering 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025); and (ii) any steps being taken to ensure (a) initial Discretionary Support decisions by Finance Support Officers; and (b) first review decisions, are accurate, consistent and evidence-based.
Asked by Sian Mulholland MLA on 22 January 2026
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 22 January 2026
- Answer due by
- 6 February 2026
- Answered
- 2 February 202611 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Communities
- Priority question
- No
Answer
The success rate of first reviews conducted by Discretionary Support Review Officers reduced in 2024/25 from 27% to 15% due to increased levels of accuracy in respect of the initial decisions being made by my Department’s Finance Support Officers. Accuracy of decision making in determining Discretionary Support awards remains a key priority for the branch, with a range of checks in place to ensure that decisions are made within the relevant guidance and legislation.