797.This paragraph provides powers for local authorities to revise a HB/CTB decision (whether as originally made, or superseded under paragraph 4), either on application or on their own initiative. Regulations would prescribe the cases, circumstances and period in which a decision could be revised. The paragraph also provides for the date from which the decision takes effect (a revised decision would normally take effect from the same date as the decision being revised) and regulation-making powers to vary that date in certain circumstances. It further provides for the lapsing of appeals where the decision appealed against is revised.
Sub-paragraph (1) provides for the local authority to revise any HB/CTB decision, either on application by a person affected, or on their own initiative.  It enables regulations to prescribe the period within which, and the cases or circumstances in which, a decision can be revised.  In line with the regulations applying in other social security benefits, it is intended that a person will normally have one month to apply for revision of a HB/CTB decision.  The regulations would provide for an extension of the time limit for special circumstances, with an overall time limit of 13 months.
Sub-paragraph (2) provides that when revising a decision the local authority need only consider the particular issue (or issues) raised by the application for revision, or (if acting on their own initiative) which caused them to consider revising the decision.
Sub-paragraph (3) provides that a revision would take effect from the day on which the original decision took effect, unless regulations under sub-paragraph (4) provided otherwise, or if the revision was made after a decision in another case had held that an authority’s decision was wrong in law (in which case paragraph 18 would apply).
Sub-paragraph (4) allows for regulations to prescribe cases or circumstances in which the revision shall take effect other than from the date of the original decision.  An example would be where the original decision took effect from the wrong date.
Sub-paragraph (5) provides that the period within which an application for appeal may be made (provided for in regulations made under paragraph 6(8)) runs from the date on which the revision was made.
Sub-paragraph (6) provides that, where an appeal has been lodged against a decision which is subsequently revised, the appeal will lapse, except in the circumstances prescribed in regulations.  It is the intention that regulations would provide that an appeal continues where the revised decision is not advantageous to the claimant.
Part III: Social Security Administration Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Schedule 7 Paragraph 3: Revision of decisions