Caselaw summaries

Hearing in claimant’s absence – refusal to grant postponement – errors by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) tribunal caseworker and tribunal

Decision to proceed in claimant’s absence – to be made by tribunal as a whole rather than just by the judge

Sanctions – failure to participate in Mandatory Work Activity scheme

Person subject to immigration control – following appeal against a refusal to vary leave previously granted

Local housing allowance – one-bedroom self-contained accommodation rate

Liability for rent – claimant renting from ex-partner and responsible for a child of the ex-partner

Pension credit (PC) - overpayment – form relied on by Secretary of State to show misrepresentation no longer available

Right of appeal – mandatory reconsideration after more than 13 months – official error ground

Activity 5 (manual dexterity) – descriptor 5(c) ‘cannot use a pencil to make a meaningful mark with either hand’

Employment and support allowance (ESA) - overpayment – failure to disclose