ABSTRACT
This Chapter examines the contribution made by the review system provided within the discretionary social fund scheme to enable applicants to challenge decision-making. The origins of the review mechanism are analysed in order to identify the political context for which this unique review system emerged, and to better explain the course of later developments in the review processes. This is followed by a brief account of how the current review processes operate and an assessment of current review practice and the available research evidence. The Chapter closes with an evaluation of the importance of the review function and a recommendation that, at least at the inspectoral stage of the review, it may be possible to develop 'systemic' remedies particularly in the social security field.
