HB Tribunal. What do I need to know ?

[kaiki]

Can anyone help me with this ?

We have just had our appeal against a Housing Benefit overpayment refused and now the next step is a tribunal - I've sought advice from CAB (over the telephone) who have told me I ought to take it further - I'm due to see them with all our evidence and paperwork next week.

What will a tribunal involve ? Will I need a lawyer ? If they don't find in my favour am I liable for court costs etc too ? Sorry to be so ignorant of the process, the closest I've come to something like this is playing Cagney and Lacey when I was eight (I was Cagney, BTW)

[BustyDeLaGhetto]

Hopeful and unhelpful bumpity

[mumblechum1]

www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/BeginnersGuideToBenefits/DG_10013949

No experience, but this may help.

[emskaboo]

Hi, I've represented people at HB tribunal before, but you can, and it is usual to, self represent. The tribunal chair is normally very helpful and there isn't any ceremony or anything. In my experience it is a roo
With a table and chairs, the tribunal chair behind the desk and everyone rlse in ghe other side. Like a hearing at a district court but less formal, or going to see the head teacher! There is no cost liability, other than having to repay the overpayment if they find against you, they normally knock £8.10 a week off your HB but you can ask for it to be less than that.

Hope that helps

[Kladdkaka]

I went to a tribunal over a tax issue with the help of the CAB. The CAB sent one of their tax experts to represent me.