Do you want to appeal against the decision?
If you decide that you want to appeal against the decision about your Housing or Council Tax Benefit you must write to us straight away. Your appeal will go to the Tribunals Service who are an Independent Appeals Service.
You must tell us that you want to appeal against the decision. You can use the Appeals form or write us a letter.
- You must write down as much detail as possible about the reason for your appeal. If you are appealing against more than 1 decision, you must list each decision and your reasons for appealing against that decision.
- You must remember to sign the appeal before you return it to us.
- You must send the appeal to the Benefits Division usually within 1 month of the date on the decision letter but please see the section on.
What do I do if I think the decision is wrong?
We will send your appeal, and an explanation of the law and facts used to make the decision, to the Appeals Service.
A copy of the appeal papers will be sent to you and your representative if you have one. You should read these papers carefully. If you do not understand something, ask us, an advice centre or solicitor to explain. You will be sent a form for the Tribunal Service (called TAS 1), which you must complete and return to the Tribunal Service within 14 days, or your appeal will stop.
The form also asks you questions about how you want your appeal to be looked at. You may ask for an Oral Hearing or a Paper Hearing.
Oral Hearing
- This is an appeal which you can go to. You may be asked questions and will have the opportunity to ask questions yourself. You may take someone to represent you or witnesses to give evidence. The Local Authority may also send a representative and/or witnesses.
- If you do not attend the Oral Hearing, the tribunal will hear your appeal without you so it is important you let them know if you are unable to attend, as you may be able to arrange another date.
Paper Hearing
- This is an appeal that you do not go to. You will not be told the date of the paper hearing. The appeal will be heard and the Tribunal Service will send you the decision. If the tribunal thinks you need to go to an oral hearing, they can refuse your request for a paper hearing. If you choose a paper hearing but change your mind, you must write to the Tribunal Service straight away. If the Local Authority requests an oral hearing but you choose a paper hearing, or vice versa, an oral hearing will take place.