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Housing Benefit Appeals & Tribunals
Good Practice Workshop For Compiling Appeal Submissions & Presenting At Tribunal
This appeal submission workshop offers valuable insights into the fundamental principles and best practices for crafting effective appeal submissions. We strongly recommend this workshop for local authority staff who manage appeal cases or are preparing to do so. The session includes a brief overview of the options available to both parties (Council or Appellant) for escalating the appeal if there is disagreement with the Tribunal’s decision.
Next Workshop:
Tuesday, 24th November, 2026.
Full-Day Workshop: (9:40 - 4:30)
Workshop Fee: £280 (No VAT)
Book 3 places and receive a 4th place FREE.
Also available for In-House Bookings for individual organisations, either On-Site or Online.
HOUSING BENEFIT APPEALS & TRIBUNALS:
Compiling Appeal Submissions And Presenting At Tribunal
(INCLUDING DOCUMENT TEMPLATES IN ELECTRONIC FORMAT)
This workshop serves as an ideal introduction for new appeals officers or as a refresher for existing appeals officers within the context of tribunal training. Each facet of submission writing is demonstrated through practical examples and exercises.
We begin with a quick checklist to consider before submitting an appeal to the Tribunal: ensuring the appeal is timely (verifying that the maximum extended time limit of 13 months has not elapsed), ensuring that the appeal is signed and includes the necessary information according to the Tribunal Procedure Rules, and ensuring that the appeal pertains to subject matter within the Tribunal’s jurisdiction. In response to numerous requests, the materials will provide a template for a brief submission inviting the Tribunal to dismiss an appeal based on these preliminary grounds. Following this, we will explore the construction of a comprehensive submission that addresses the substance of an appeal, covering:
- The traditional seven-section layout;
- The process of assembling the bundle: document sequencing, electronic versus hard copy;
- How to approach appeals involving multiple appellants, particularly in complex supported accommodation cases.
Since many appeal submissions relate to HB overpayments, we will concentrate on the specific challenges these cases present. Beyond the apparent merits of the case (which may appear straightforward), overpayment appeals frequently involve technicalities such as:
- Has the Council ensured that the adjudication history is correctly ordered, with original awarding decisions duly revised or superseded—what Tribunals often refer to as getting your “ducks in a row”?
- Has the Council provided a comprehensive decision regarding the recoverability of the overpayment and identified the entities from which recovery is sought?
- Has this decision been effectively communicated to all pertinent parties?
Naturally, no workshop on overpayment appeals would be complete without a detailed discussion regarding landlords: When is an overpayment recoverable from a landlord? When might a landlord participate in an appeal? What grounds can a landlord assert, and which documents must be disclosed to them?
Many cases culminate in an Oral Hearing, and we will review what occurs during the Hearing: how a presenting officer should conduct themselves, and the Tribunal judge’s role in overseeing the hearing. Finally, we will briefly outline the options available to a dissatisfied party for further appeal, particularly the process of applying for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal. Document templates for this process will be included in the materials.
“GOODIE-BAG”: Delegates will receive specimen skeleton appeal submissions in editable ‘Word’ format.
Presented by Peter Barker, a highly experienced trainer, appeals presenter, and submission writer. He began his career as a local authority appeals officer in the 1980s and has represented local authorities across England, Wales, and Scotland at both First-tier and Upper Tribunal levels for many years. Tribunal Judges frequently commend the high quality of Peter’s submissions. He brings a wealth of first-hand experience, expert knowledge of adjudication legislation, and a passion for the subject.
In-House Workshop Required?
We are always pleased to arrange our workshops, including this appeal submission workshop, for staff from an individual organization, held at their own training venue or via Zoom/TEAMS. Additionally, our tribunal training sessions can also be customized to meet specific needs. Please email us with your requirements for further details.
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