DWP Central Freedom of Information Team

e-mail: [DWP request email]

Our Ref: VTR 1150

16 June 2009

Dear Ms Shrive,

Thank you for your Freedom of Information request dated 16 June 2009 asking:

“Why are these forums [Disability Benefits Consortium] so arrogant and such a complete waste of time. I expect to be treated fairly these CAB s & every Charity discriminating with sole corporate directors Why are we treated like the enemy when we are paying for this? Why are you using out of date research methods? Why are admin on remits deciding who deals with what? Does this happen with everyone in charge suspect so.”

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has no jurisdiction at all over independent forums or charities such as the Disability Benefits Consortium, or the Citizens Advice Bureau. We are therefore unable to answer your query.

Your email states that you have a complaint regarding your DLA claim. I have therefore passed your email to the DLA team within DWP to address any outstanding issues.

If you are not satisfied with my handling of your request please tell me why within two calendar months of the date of this letter. I will then arrange for someone to conduct an internal review of your request and my handling. The review will be conducted by another officer, usually of a more senior grade to me. This person will have taken no part in my original decision. You will be advised of their decision in writing.

If you are still not content with the outcome of the internal review you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner to look into the way your request has been handled. Please note that generally the Commissioner cannot make a decision unless you have first exhausted DWP's own complaints procedure. The Commissioner can be contacted at:

FoI Complaints Resolution

Information Commissioner's Office

Wycliffe House

Water Lane

Wilmslow

Cheshire

SK9 5AF

Fax: 01625 545 510

Email:[email address]

Yours sincerely,

Central FoI Team

Department for Work and Pensions