The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance at a weekly rate of £65.50 based on a means assessment of £2.00 per week made in 1983 derived from his intestacy share in the family holding.
Following a recent review of his entitlement his means from farm income were assessed at £85.00 per week. On the basis of this means assessment he was not entitled to payment of unemployment assistance and a deciding officer made a decision to that effect. He appealed the decision to the independent social welfare appeals office.
The local social welfare inspector reviewed his report in the light of the stated grounds of appeal and reduced the amount of means assessed to £63.00 per week with effect from 11 March 1998 giving entitlement to payment of unemployment assistance of £4.00 per week.
The appeals officer has decided that the revised assessment is fair and reasonable. All allowable expenses have been taken into account in the means assessment. The person's appeal against the reduced rate was disallowed and he is being notified accordingly.