The Social Security Commissioners (Procedure) (Tax Credits Appeals) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003

Delegation of functions to authorised officers

5.—(1) The following functions of the Commissioners may be exercised by legally qualified authorised officers, to be known as legal officers to the Commissioners–

(a) postponing a hearing under regulation 3;

(b) extending or abridging time, directing expedition, giving notices, striking out and reinstating proceedings under regulation 3.

(c) giving directions under regulations 6 and 16;

(d) determining requests for or directing hearings under regulation 18;

(e) summoning witnesses, and setting aside a summons made by a legal officer, under regulation 20;

(f) giving leave to withdraw or reinstate applications or appeals under regulation 21;

(g) waiving irregularities under regulation 22 in connection with any matter being dealt with by a legal officer;

(2) Any party may, within 14 days of being sent notice of the direction or order of a legal officer, make a written request to a Commissioner asking him to reconsider the matter and confirm or replace the direction or order with his own, but, unless ordered by a Commissioner, a request shall not stop proceedings under the direction or order.