If you think a decision is wrong
If you disagree with our decision about your claim for housing benefit or a reduction in council tax, you can challenge the decision.
If you disagree with a decision about a Universal Credit claim, you will need to appeal to the government's Department for Work and Pensions – go to GOV.UK: appeal a benefit decision.
When you can challenge
When we finish assessing your claim for housing benefit or council tax support, we will send you a letter telling you:
- the start date and end date of the period covered by our assessment
- your income and household circumstances on which we based our assessment
You should check the letter carefully. If you disagree with anything in the letter, you may either:
- ask us to send you a more detailed explanation of our decision
- ask us to reconsider our decision – you should give your reasons for asking and, if possible, include evidence to support your request
- appeal to an independent tribunal, giving your reasons
Who can challenge
For housing benefit, any request for us to reconsider or for an appeal must be made by a person affected by the decision. This can be either:
- the claimant
- an appointee or individual with power of attorney to act on the claimant’s behalf
- a landlord or agent, but only regarding the person to whom housing benefit is paid
- anyone from whom we decide to recover a housing benefit overpayment
For council tax reduction, any request for us to reconsider, and any appeal, can be made only by either:
- the claimant
- an appointee or individual with power of attorney to act on the claimant’s behalf
More information
For more information, go to: