How to appeal

Housing Benefit

If you do not understand a Housing Benefit decision you can ask for a further explanation, or if you think the decision we made is wrong you can ask us to look at it again or make an appeal. 

What to do if you think a decision is wrong 

You must contact us within one month of the date of the decision either by the appeals form or by writing to us. 

If you’re posting your appeal please send to: 

Arun District Council 

Revenues and Benefits Department 

Maltravers Road 

Littlehampton 

BN17 5LF   

We may be able to consider late appeals up to 13 months from the date on the decision letter. You would need to ask us to consider a late request and give reasons for it being late. 

When you write to us you can ask: 

  • for a further explanation - this is called a statement of reasons 

  • us to look at our decision again - this is called a reconsideration 

  • to appeal to an independent tribunal 

You must tell us 

  • which decision you want us to explain or look at again 

  • why you think the decision is wrong 

  • if there is anything else we need to take into consideration 

What happens next 

If we agree the decision is wrong, we’ll correct your benefit entitlement and send you a new decision letter. 

If we think the decision is correct, we’ll write confirming this. You may still be able to appeal if you think our decision is wrong. 

If we think the decision is correct and you’ve made an appeal, we’ll send this to an independent tribunal who will decide. 

Appeals are dealt with by the First-tier Tribunal and not us. After we send the appeal to the courts the HM Courts and Tribunals Service will get in touch with you. They’ll explain what happens next. 

Council Tax Reduction

If you do not agree with the decision made on your Council Tax Reduction claim, you can appeal this decision with us. 

What to do if you think a decision is wrong 

You must send an appeal to us in writing at the below address: 

Arun District Council 

Revenues and Benefits Department 

Maltravers Road 

Littlehampton 

BN17 5LF   

You must tell us: 

  • which decision you would like to appeal 

  • why you think the decision is wrong 

  • if there are other factors we need to take into consideration 

There is no time limit for when you can send an appeal. 

We have 2 months to look at the decision once we’ve received the appeal. If we do not contact you within 2 months please contact us. 

What happens next 

If we agree the decision is wrong, we’ll correct your award and send you a new decision notice and Council Tax bill. 

If we think the decision is correct, we’ll write to you confirming this. 

If you’re still not happy with the decision you have a further 2 months to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal Service

If we do not reply within 2 months you can appeal directly to the Valuation Tribunal Service. You must do this within 4 months from the date we received your original appeal.