An estimate of the cost of backdating the change is not available and could be obtained, if at all, only at disproportionate cost.
Late claims and backdating are especially costly, not least because the rules are so complex.
We have heard thus far a generalised complaint from more than one source, that the backdating provisions can operate in only one way.
If something is backdated, it is recompense for people having waited longer than they should have.
The new rules on benefit claims and the limits on backdating and reviews will prevent many claimants from getting the benefits that they should have.
If somebody is entitled to a discount but has not received one, local authorities must backdate the discount to the date when entitlement first arose.
Under the first category, backdating will be allowed beyond the general one-month time limit.
Many such people will be directly affected by the reduction to one month of the time for backdating claims.
