AQW 38870/22-27

Ms Sian Mulholland
Alliance Party
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 22/01/2026
Answered On Date: 02/02/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
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.

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.