This Workshop is specifically designed to look in detail at the Housing Benefit appeals process and preparing submissions for Tribunals, including all the most recent changes in the law. An important and interesting topic that always generates a lot of questions!  

• The terminology – don’t get caught out using words like ‘cancellation’ for example;
• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket – arguing “further and in the alternative”: we say that the claimant and his landlord did not intend to enter into a binding tenancy agreement, so there is in fact no liability to make payments ... but even if there is, we say it was created to take advantage of the scheme;
• Arguments about facts – quality of evidence, credibility, proving that the adjudication history is in order;
• The stages of the appeal – from reconsideration to the oral hearing before the Tribunal;
• Writing submissions/responses within a statutory time-scale – good practice;
• The Administrative Justice and Tribunals Council – the “time for action” recommendations and Housing Benefit appeals;
• Helping practitioners improve appeals productivity;
• Time limits and extending them;
• What actually goes on at a First-tier Tribunal – and the rights of the parties;
• How to conduct yourself at an oral hearing
• Using the Tribunal’s powers to make ‘directions’ before and during a hearing; 

The course is only for people with a reasonably good knowledge of HB and CTB, but as regards appeals themselves the course starts from the very beginning of the process. It is suitable for housing benefit advisors from a wide range of organisations, including local authority staff and for those representing appellants. With plenty of discussion and examples, it provides an ideal opportunity to review the advice being given to potential appellants and to reflect on how to best prepare for a Tribunal Hearing.

By means of presentations, discussions and exercises our presenter, Peter Barker (the “HB Anorak”), will provide a fact-filled day covering the most up-to-date information available Peter is a very experienced trainer, appeals presenter and submission writer. He first became a local authority Appeals Officer in the 1980s and represents many local authorities on appeals cases in England, Wales and Scotland at both First-tier and Upper Tribunal level.  He combines a wealth of first-hand experience with expert knowledge of adjudication legislation and has a real enthusiasm for the topic.

Your Presenter

Peter Barker