I have applied to my HB office to see all the information with regards to the recent overpayment decision. This is because there is some confusion in regards to documents which they argue I did not provide. I am doing this for myself, not for the client this time- so I am experiencing all the problems myself; maybe it'll make me a better adviser!
The HB office replied that due to the fact that the file is enormous and that they keep it all in an electronic form, it would be very inconvenient and uneconomic for them to print it and send it. They have however invited me to see it all, in their offices. I am told that i would be able to take copies of any documents I wish.

Has anybody encountered such situation before and are there any dis/advantages?

I'm not a DPA expert, but my understanding is that if you have paid your £10, the Data holder MUST provide a hard copy if requested.

There may be something on the Information Commissioner's site that may help - could be worth taking a look.

www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk/eventual.aspx?id=34

Regards

Kevin is correct, but there are some advantages to taking up their suggestion.

The Data Protection act applies to the Data held on their HB Calculation system as well as their electronic filing system.

The Authority is required to provide an explanation of any codes etc recorded on the system (of which there will be many), and if they are not doing this in writing then the only way to do it is to have an HB officer sit with you and answer your questions. This might be a good way to enter into dialog and get any issues resolved more quickly.