16Extensions

16 Extensions

(1) For paragraph 3(1)(r) of Schedule 3, in relation to a relevant debt, the Secretary may, on application made in accordance with the requirements set out in a notice under section 14 or 15, extend, by 28 days or such longer period as may be decided by the Secretary: (a) the acceptance period for an offer; or (b) the period for applying for a review mentioned in the notice.

The Secretary may grant an extension only if the Secretary considers that special circumstances exist that make it appropriate to do so. The Secretary must give the person who made the application written notice of the Secretary’s decision and the reasons for it. If the Secretary decides that special circumstances do not exist, the notice under subsection (3) must inform the person that they may, within 28 days from the date of the notice, apply for a review of the decision and explain how to make that application. A person may:

(a) make more than one application for an extension of time; and
(b) make an application for an extension of time even if the time specified in paragraph (1)(a) or (b) (as the case may be) has expired.