Where there is an underlying entitlement against an overpayment - is there a restriction on how far these can go back?

i.e. Is there an equivalent to Reg 83(12) (Good Cause backdating for claims) of 52 weeks that applies to U/E.

No, the U/E must be applied to the whole of the overpayment no matter how far back the overpayment goes.

Derek

Reg 85 states: -

85. —(1) Subject to paragraph (2), in calculating the amount of a recoverable overpayment, the relevant authority shall deduct any amount of housing benefit which should have been determined to be payable in respect of the whole or part of the overpayment period—

(a) on the basis of the claim as presented to the authority;

(b) on the basis of the claim as it would have appeared had any misrepresentation or non-disclosure been remedied before the decision; or

(c) on the basis of the claim as it would have appeared if any change of circumstances had been notified at the time that change occurred.

(2) In the case of rent rebate only, in calculating the amount of a recoverable overpayment the relevant authority may deduct so much of any payment by way of rent in respect of the overpayment period which exceeds the amount, if any, which the claimant was liable to pay for that period under the original erroneous determination.

So the whole overpayment period can be looked at.

Regards
Paul